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Facilities for the early detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis
were greatly improved during the year by the Installation of a
fluoroscopic screening apparatus at the Council's Tuberculosis
Dispensary, 23, Brunswick Park. Consideration was also given by
the" Public Health Committee to the question of purchasing an X-ray
plant for radiography, but in view of the unsatisfactory condition
of the Dispensary premises, the need for structural alterations to
meet the requirements of the service, the length of time that would
inevitably elapse before the purchase and erection of the plant could
be contemplated, and above all the position arising from the passing
of the National Health Service Act, 1945, which provides for the
transfer from local authority control of the Tuberculosis Dispensary
Service, It was decided to continue the present arrangement with the
London County Council for X-ray films to be taken at St. Giles'
Hospital.
At the same time negotiations were commenced for similar
facilities to be provided at Dulwich and King's College Hospitals.
At the latter hospital arrangements could be made for only a limited
number of patients to be dealt with weekly and as the financial terms
were considerably higher than those offered by the London County
Council for similar services at Dulwich Hospital, it was decided
hot to make uso of those facilities unless the number of patients
rendered this course necessary. At Dulwich Hospital, however,
arrangements wore put in hand for X-ray film's to be taken on similar
lines to those at St. Giles' Hospital.
I wish to record once again my appreciation of tho co-operation
I have received from Members of the Council, and to express my
thanks to the staff of the Public Health Department for the assistance
and loyal service they have rendered. In this connection, it is,
perhaps, appropriate to draw attention to the amount of additional
work that was required to be carried out during the year in the
preparation of information and the completion of questionnaires
relating to those functions which are to be transferred from the
control of the Borough Council under the national Health Service
Act, 1946.
Yours faithfully,
H. W. BARNES.
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.