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"Although there has been a reduction of new notified cases of
pulmonary tuberculosis it cannot be emphasised too much that the
disease is not yet conquered. There are still a few resistant cases
and in 1965 there were two relapses (1 male, 1 female) of tuberculous
infection who were treated in the pre-chemotherapy days.
As there appears to be still a considerable reservoir of infection it
is important that case finding technique be intensified rather than
relaxed. All old notified cases of pulmonary tuberculosis are
reviewed annually with X-rays and sputum tests.
The specialised services of the chest clinics now embrace and
are eminently suitable for dealing with patients with other chest
diseases. Carcinoma of the lung is now the hidden menace for
which we must ever be on the alert as the numbers are increasing.
These are treated by surgery, radiotherapy and cytotoxic drug
therapy as indicated. Grants were obtained from the National
Society for Cancer Relief where needed.
Patients with bronchitis are treated with antibiotics, physiotherapy
and anti-smoking advice given. Rehousing in suitable
areas, recuperative holidays and sheltered employment have been
arranged in many cases. Allergy testing, desensitisation and
relaxation therapy is now an important feature of chest clinic
work".
Mass Radiography
In London, Mass Radiography was originally carried out under
the direction of the London County Council, but since January,
1948, the responsibility for this service has rested with the South
East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board.
Introduced primarily for the early detection of Tuberculosis,
the Mass Radiography service is responsible for revealing many
other chest malformations and disabilities which would doubtless
have remained undetected perhaps for years.
As a direct consequence of the diagnosis of these ailments
treatment is made possible at a very early age, thereby enabling
a much more favourable prognosis to be entertained.