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This trend first became obvious in 1955 though prior to this date chemotherapy was
already beginning to displace this type of therapy for many of the early, soft, non
cavitating type of lesions. Since 1955, however, events have moved more rapidly and. as
stated, minor collapse therapy now plays an insignificant, if not rapidly vanishing part,
in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
The place vacated by minor collapse therapy has been taken by chemotherapy.
The activities of the Health Visitors Staff has resulted in an increase in the
number of contacts examined - 2,493 compared with 2,122 in 1955, an increase of 371 and
in the number of B.C.G. vaccinations completed and followed-up.
Rehabilitation
Regular rehabilitation sessions between the Physician, the Almoner and the Disable
ment Resettlement Officer from the Ministry of Labour have restarted during the year and
are making good progress so far. There is no logical reason why in a period of full
employment every disabled person should not be found a suitable type of work.
Chronic Bronchitis Clinic
For some years now four beds have been available at the Western Hospital for the
investigation and treatment of non-tuberculous chest diseases. These beds are usually
fully occupied by cases of acute bronchiolitis, complicating chronic bronchitis, by
bronchiectasis and cancer of the lung. These beds are run in conjunction with the
bronchitis clinic sessions at the Chest Clinic. Here full investigation into the
patients condition can be carried out, including electro-cardiography and respiratory
function tests. Dr. L. Grant is now able to carry out a bronchoscopic session at the
Western Hospital each Wednesday afternoon, and so far has been able to deal with all
those cases referred to him without any waiting period. The respiratory function unit
and non-tuberculous beds at King George V. Chest Hospital, Godalming, provide additional
in-patient facilities for the bronchitis clinic.
In September 1956 a special survey was commenced in conjunction with the local
General Practitioners, Dr. Mary Adams, the Medical Officer of Health, her deputy, Dr.
C.A. Meade, and Dr. Hurford at King George V. Chest Hospital, Godalming, to evaluate
the efficacy of breathing 4% ammonia vapour by patients with chronic bronchitis; the
final results will be assessed by a comparison of the number of spells of sickness
absence in the treated and control groups. This survey was also carried out in cooperation
with Dr. E. W. Wilkins of the Fuel Research Station, Greenwich, Mr. Veryard of
the Meteorological Office, the Bronchitis Committee of the Medical Research Council, and
the assistance of Messrs. Airwick Ltd. In order to provide a base line for this experimental
work, a small meteorological station was set up at the clinic with the help of;
Dr. Adam,s Dr. Wilkins and Mr. Veryard. enabling continuous readings of sulphur dioxide,
relative humidity, temperature and smoke to be made The necessary apparatus having
been kindly loaned by the departments concerned
Because chronic bronchitis does not provide the doctor with a clear and definite
x-ray picture there has become a tendency for this complaint to be ignored as a clinical
entity Hence the main burden of looking after these unfortunate patients has fallen on
the shoulders of the General Practitioners, especially during the winter months when they
also fill the general medical beds in the local general hospitals, suffering from their
annual bout of acute bronchiolitis and later on in years from right heart failure The
Council of the N. A. P. T. has wisely decided to amend its terms of reference so as to
include chronic bronchitis as follows:-