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Tuberculosis (BCG Vaccination).
Thirteen-year old schoolchildren.
The acceptance rate for this protective measure is still at a
satisfactorily high level. The skin test used is Mantoux (10 TU).
1968
1967
Schools visited
8
12
Number of eligible children
1,018
1,861
Number of acceptances
958
1,458
Acceptance rate
94%
78%
Number skin-tested and read
694
1,119
Number given BCG vaccination
630
1,019
Number of positive reactors
64
98
Positivity rate
9.3%
9.6%
Contacts.
The numbers of contacts of cases of tuberculosis dealt with at
chest clinics is about the same as for 1967. The positivity rate in this
group has fallen considerably, being 28.5% in 1968 as against 49.2% in
the previous year.
1968
1967
Number skin-tested and read
147
144
Number found negative
105
73
Number given BCG vaccination
108
81
Number found positive
42
71
MASS RADIOGRAPHY.
As in previous years, the South West and North West London Mass
X-ray services continued to provide chest X-ray facilities for the
borough at their centres in the Western Hospital, Seagrave Road, S.W.6.,
and 285 Harrow Road, W.9.
In addition to the operation of these two centres, mobile units
made numerous visits to large establishments within the borough.
PREVENTION OF ILLNESS. CARE AND AFTER-CARE.
Chiropody.
Staffing difficulties continued throughout the year. It was decided
that positions should be graded as senior chiropodist, i.e., one grade
above the usual entry grade because of the extent to which chiropodists
were expected to work single-handed without immediate supervision. This
had little effect on the recruitment situation and, as an incentive,
candidates were offered domiciliary work to be carried out in their own,
time for which payment would be made at the agreed Whitley rate. This,
however, was of no effect. The chief chiropodist was left as the only
full-time member of staff in the service. The remaining four posts
provided in the establishment were filled to varying degrees throughout