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WORK OF THE CHEST CLINICS
I again express my thanks to Dr. Madigan for the following
report on the work of the Chest Clinics and the subsequent Table.
"As will be seen from the Table, the numbers of newly
diagnosed cases of tuberculosis are practically the same as for
1954. The total number of cases referred for investigation,
however, has shown a progressive drop over recent years. Whether
greater use of the Mass X-ray Service, or direct reference to
Radiological Departments of local hospitals, has any bearing
on this 1 do not know. I trust, however, that the knowledge
that tuberculosis can be successfully treated by modern methods
is not inducing a feeling of complacency towards the disease into
the minds of the general public. Early, and full, investigation
into abnormal symptoms is still as essential today as in the past,
if we are to consolidate the advance of recent years in combating
this disease.
"Fewer new contacts came for examination than in the
previous year, although the average over the past few years has
been well maintained. It is worth noting that none of these
new contacts was found to be positive. B.C.G. vaccination is
now offered to Mantoux negative contacts up to adult age, and
60 such contacts were given B.C.G. during the year.
"The number of admissions to Hospitals or Sanatoria has
not varied much from last year, and it is still possible to secure
fairly early admission of all types of cases."

Number of patients admitted to Sanatoria during the year: 53.
These figures relate to patients resident in Beckenham Borough
only.
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