Rushden Research Group: Health - Sanatorium Report for 1946

Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010

Northamptonshire County Council
Annual Report
of the
MEDICAL OFFICER of HEALTH
FOR THE YEAR 1946

[Extract]

Sanatorium Report

The number of beds available for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 80 ; 43 for males and 37 for females. 10 patients were admitted for clinical investigation, 6 were discharged as non-tuberculous and 4 were found to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.

There were 190 admissions of patients, 103 male, and 87 female, and 170 were discharged, 95 male, and 75 female. Deaths in the Sanatorium numbered 20, 8 male and 12 female. The retention of advanced patients is consistent with the policy of isolation and has been a useful method of preventive treatment. The patients admitted to the Sanatorium were classified as follows on admission:

Tuberculous pleural effusion		9

Sputum negative		72

Sputum positive, stage I		9

Sputum positive, stage II		72

Sputum positive, stage III		18

Observation cases		10

Treatment was sufficient in 75 patients to bring the disease to quiescence. Of the patients admitted with a positive sputum 19 were negative on discharge. The average length of stay was 142.37 days.

Laboratory Work

The following pathological specimens were examined in connection with the treatment carried out at the Sanatorium:

Sputum:
	Negative	140
	Positive	134
	Negative on culture	28
	Positive on culture	14

Pleural fluid:
	Negative	2
	Positive	2

Urine:
	Negative	2

Fasting Gastric Juice:
	Negative	3
	Positive	2

The Blood Sedimentation Rate which gives an immediate indication of the patient’s condition, and activity of disease, was assessed on admission, and at monthly intervals during treatment : 898 such examinations were made. Vital Capacity Tests were carried out on 196 patients. Mantoux Tests were carried out on 17 child patients, and on all nursing and domestic entrants.

X-ray Work

All patients are filmed on admission and subsequently during treatment. The number of X‑ray examinations was 2,664, consisting of 2,160 screen examinations and 504 films. All nursing and domestic staff are X‑rayed on commencing duties, and at periods during their service according to their reaction to the Mantoux test.

Treatment

This consists of absolute rest for patients with the most active type of disease, substituted for those who have lost their toxaemia by hours up, and later by light graded work.

Artificial Pneumothorax Treatment. Treatment by artificial pneumothorax was continued. There were 41 inductions of artificial pneumothorax made at the Sanatorium ; 1,363 artificial pneumothorax refills and 54 pneumoperitoneum refills were given. There was 1 pleural wash-out and 44 aspirations.

Adhesion Section. Forty-two patients, 22 male and 20 female, were transferred to Creaton Sanatorium for section of adhesions limiting artificial pneumothorax, thoracoplasties and phrenic nerve operations.

The Treatment Block at the Sanatorium was again in use for examination of patients, artificial pneumothorax treatment, pleural wash-outs, sedimentation rates, dental treatment, X‑ray work, and also as an office.

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