Sister Bernadette,
I hope our Officer after the Somme is doing well and resting as she should. I know that a diagnosis of TB is frightening and the stigma of it can be crushing. Sister Monica Joan, in particular, has been rather vocal in her concerns, most likely based on her experiences of old. I have assured everyone at Nonnatus House that, if diagnosed early, TB is no longer considered a death sentence. I am convinced that the triple treatment, especially with the addition of isoniazid, is the best possible course of action at this time. Certainly a long way from the pneumothorax procedure of old although a little heliotherapy wouldn't go amiss when you are rested enough. For my part, I am assured by colleagues I trust implicitly that Saint Anne's comes highly recommended. Thank goodness my old friend, Dr. Phillips, was able to find you a bed at such short notice. All of your friends wish nothing less than the best possible care for you.
Since your departure, I have diagnosed 4 more TB cases this week alone. We continue to comb through the x-ray plates. Our ability to diagnose TB so early at all I credit completely to you and your tremendously astute appeal to the board. You see? Even though you are not in Poplar, your caring presence continues to be felt in the most positive of ways. All of these patients are on waiting lists for a bed and will be treated at home until they can be placed. I worry about the kinds of sanatorium they may be placed in. Many are satisfactory but many are not. Perhaps one day, a sanatorium will be unnecessary as I wonder if the distress inherent in being parted from ones families may be counter-productive? Still, it is better than trusting to home treatment as it is imperative the medications be consistently administered. Not to mention containing the infection. Perhaps addressing the abhorrent conditions of some of the sanatorium will be my next foray into battle with the officer?
Things are as they always were at Nonnatus House. Nurse Lee is developing into quite the effective midwife. I admit that I had my reservations about her ability to accept the stark brutality of life in Poplar with humility, but she seems to be adjusting better every day. She has an uncanny ability to handle the cantankerous ones. Had you asked me a year ago if she had this ability, I would not have seen it in her. I am sure that, with your exceptional talent to see the strengths in everyone, you saw that in her quicker than I.
Timothy asked after you. I tried to spare him the details, but he knows that you are ill. He misses you and sends his best. Please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the capacity of your GP.
Sincerely,
Dr. Turner
A/N: A slow start, I know. Our good doctor is all work! In researching this first letter, I sure did learn a lot about the management and treatment of TB pre- and post-WWII Britain! WWII through the 50's was an exciting time in medical history. Pretty fascinating, really. Also from the personal accounts I have read, the sanatorium system was a bit hit or miss as well. Some were fine and some were nightmares, especially those for children, sadly. Most seemed to have long waiting lists because of under staffing. Home treatment was the only option for many at first. That led me to the idea that the good doctor pulled some strings for her. What I lack in accuracy, I have made up for in vagueness.