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19
Physiotherapy and Breathing Exercises
Sessions for graduated breathing exercises and postural drainage of the bronchi have
continued throughout the year, though somewhat spasmodically, owing to the chronically
bad staff conditions which is mainly due to the poor salary and conditions of service
that apply to all medical ancillary staff.
The New In-patient Chest Unit
This year the old tuberculosis wards at the Western Hospital have at long last
(fourteen years) been largely reconditioned, cubicalised and one ward air-conditioned.
It was only after considerable difficulty and the employment of agency nursing staff
that the wards finally reopened, after completion of the building work. Thus, for the
first time, the correct treatment of the patient with acute bronchitis can be carried out
in Fulham in correct atmospheric conditions, even in foggy weather.
This costly undertaking worked very well during its first winter in operation, and
the most noticeable feature was the absence of weather effects on the bronchitic patients
in the air conditioned section. Unfortunately, the Minister's plan, under the new white
paper intends that these wards shall be swept away, and it would appear very unlikely
that they will be rebuilt in this form elsewhere in Fulham