Rushden Research Group: Health - Sanatorium Report for 1941

Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010

Northamptonshire County Council
Annual Report
of the
MEDICAL OFFICER of HEALTH
FOR THE YEAR 1941

[Extract]

Sanatorium Report

During the year 75 beds have been available for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 41 for males, and 34 for females. Seven patients were admitted for clinical investigation and were all discharged finally as non-tuberculous.

There were 133 admissions of patients, 71 male, and 62 female ; and 116 were discharged, 61 male, and 55 female. Deaths in the Sanatorium numbered 15. The retention of advanced patients is consistent with the policy of isolation. This has been a useful method of preventive treatment. 20 patients suffering from pleurisy with effusion were treated during the year – all with satisfactory results. 73 sputum positive cases were under treatment, stage (1) none, stage (2) 46, and stage (3) 27, and 36 P.T. negative cases during the year. Treatment was sufficient in 37 patients to bring the disease to quiescence. The average length of stay was 199.9 days.

Laboratory Work

208 sputum tests were made, 131 positive, and 77 negative. Of patients with positive sputum on admission, 15 were negative on discharge. The Blood Sedimentation Rate was assessed on admission of each patient, and at monthly intervals during treatment. This examination gives an immediate indication as to the patient’s condition, and activity of disease. 801 such examinations were made during the year.

X-ray Work

All patients are filmed on admission, and subsequently during treatment. 2,293 X‑ray examinations were made, consisting of 2,051 screen examinations, and 242 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

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. Additional measures were used with some patients:

(1) Gold Treatment. 13 patients were treated, and 119 injections given, the average total amount of gold being 1.37 gms.

(2) Cadmium. 544 injections of Cadmium Sulphide in sterile olive oil were given to 45 patients.

(3) Artificial Pneumothorax Treatment. Treatment by artificial pneumothorax was continued throughout the year. 32 inductions of artificial pneumothorax were made at the Sanatorium, and 4 were abandoned within one month. 757 refills were given. 37 extra pleural refills were given to one patient, and there were 16 pleural wash-outs.

(4) Adhesion Section. 2 patients were transferred to Creaton Sanatorium for section of adhesions limiting artificial pneumothorax treatment.

(5) One patient was transferred to Creaton Sanatorium for thoracoplasty.

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

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