The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-04
Visits Paid


 months is S1 per cent. The average in- crease in distributing the cups for the destruction of the infectious sputum is 70 per cent, an average of between five and six cups for each viist paid to patients in their own homes this year. Supporters of the association should regard these fig- ures as most impressive, inasmuch as each cup when destroyed means the destruction of an incalculable number of infectious germs, thus protecting the families of the sick. A considerable number of these pa- per cups are also used in the sanatorium, where patients are taught their value.
 ''The dispensary report also shows that in addition to the cups distributed by the visiting nurses 3S00 paper napkins were given to patients whose sickness is not so extreme, so as to destroy sputum more economically. During March the nurses paid total of 409 visits, of which $50 were to patients and 50 on business matters. The secretary lays stress upon the activ- ity of these visiting nurses because there is great danger to this branch of the work unless additional income can be se- cured There were 3S examined in the dispensary, of whom 10 were white and 23 coored, and 20 re-exanuned, white and II colored, making d totM of 53 Medicine was given to 26 patients, relief consisting of 150 quarts of milk to 10. baths given to S. II specimens of sputum sent to the city laboratory, 14 houses reported for fumigation, 6 cases reported to board of health, 3 sent to the sanatorium, 1 to the almshouse. Two thousand cups were dis tributed, $11.35 used for car fare. There were F deaths in the outpatient depart ment
 Turning to the sanatorium work, 33 pa- tients were treated, of whom 21 were on the free list, with a daily average of 2912 Total number of hospital days, 94l.
 Disease reported arrested in two cases and these have been able to return to work One case was greatly improved, one unimproved, and 20 cases showed im- provement. The income from the city and county this month will not pay more than ore-half of the total cost for these oper- ations. Deducting from the deficit. there fore, the amount received on account of board, there is solid deficit of $400 on a single months operations.
 "The secretary would compare this showing with the situation in Dallas, Tex, where the city sustains the tuberculosis hospital in connection with the city and county general hospital and treating an average of 50 patients per month. The cost of the tuberculosis department fall ing entirely on the city funds, leaves noth- ing to philanthropy. It is believed, how ever, that the basis on which work Is be- economical, as it is so much broader in economical, as its so much broader in scope, reaching at the same time those who can afford to pay all or part of 'heir board, or Who would refuse to enter a charity institution, while on the other hand, it turns none away on account of poverty and operates through it's visiting nurse system in every part of the more populous districts of Jefferson county.
 "The association gratefully acknowl- edges the following gifts: Magazines from Mrs. R. c. Jones, North Birmingham; $10 from the Woman's auxiliary of the First Presbyterian church; 8 package of tracts from Mrs Wilkes of Bessemer, and a couch from Mir B. F. Ezekiel"