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24
FULHAM CHEST CLINIC - ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1964
(SUPPLIED BY COURTESY OF DR. H.C. PRICE - CHEST PHYSICIAN)
The present epidemological position of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Metropolitan Borough
of Fulham is comparatively stable. This is seen by reference to Table 1 which is concerned with
the clinic statistics.
The fall in morbidity continues and Table 2 shows that the main age incidence is in the
males over 45. The same picture is presented by the mortality figures in Table 3, except that
there has been a slight increase in the deaths of males over the age of 65.
The fall in the number of visits made by the Health Visitors is due to the fact that during
the current year there has been a reduction in the staff available. The fall in the morbidity and
morality rates and the gradual lessening of the incidence of tuberculosis, makes it increasingly
difficult to trace and examine contacts. However, new patients, and especially those with a
positive sputum, are discussed at weekly clinic meetings of the health visitors and the Organiser
of the Mass X-ray Unit.
After Care.
There is much that can be done to help a family when one of its members are ill, and to
assist in the financial, domestic and emotional crisis that it may cause.
The Samaritan Fund of the Fulham Chest Clinic Care Committee is able to help patients and
their relatives with the payment of rent, fares to visit patientsin hospital, with holidays and with
loans. It can give extra comforts to the elderly, each year at Christmas forty 10-shilling notes and
a Christmas card are sent to the old and sick.
Recuperative holidays are arranged through the health department for those in need of a rest
and change; for tuberculous patients on a low income extra nourishment is provided in the form of
eggs, butter and milk. The Disablement Resettlement Officer visits the clinic regularly for meetings
with the doctor and almoner about finding suitable work for patients.
The Pottery Unit in the New Kings Road still continues to produce work of a high standard.
An exhibition of the patients' work was held in November, and there has been an increase in the
amount of pottery sold over the year. The Diversional Therapist helps patients in their own homes
to make rugs, basket work, trays, embroidery and toys. She holds a class each week at
Hurlingham Lodge. Both Pottery and Diversional Therapy can increase the morale of the patient,
and give him a new interest and restored confidence.
Many problems still remain, those of patients who are forced to live in damp cold and over-
crowded conditions, those of patients who are fit enough to work but are unable to find employment,
and old people living on small and inadequate pensions.
Non-Tuberculous Chest Diseases.
Unfortunately, owing to the early date of this report, the figures for deaths from all respirat-
ory diseases in this borough are not available. However, the relatively mild winter of 1963/4 was
kind to the bronchitic and the pressure on outpatient and inpatient services was not excessive.