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25
MASS RADIOGRAPHY.
The Campaign for the early detection of symptomless
tuberculosis was continued during the year by Miniature Mass
Radiography Units provided by the London County Council,
and one such Unit was established at the Town Hall for three
weeks, 7th June to 12th June and 21st June to 3rd July, for
the purpose of conducting the X-ray examinations.
Arrangements were also made for the Unit to operate at the
premises of the E.N.V. Engineering Company Limited, Hythe
Road, Willesden, N.W.10, for a week commencing 14th June,
and the directors of the firm very kindly offered the facilities
to employees of other firms in the immediate vicinity.
The scheme enables large groups of persons to have their
chests X-rayed. The object is, of course, to detect anything
abnormal and, in particular, to discover cases of early
tuberculosis.
In the vast majority of cases nothing abnormal is found.
Tuberculosis of the lungs begins without any warning, and
often before the patient is aware of it, the disease is in an
advanced stage. The only method of detecting it before it
produces symptoms is by X-ray examination. When discovered
in the early stages the treatment of tuberculosis is
simple.
A number of large industrial undertakings in the Borough
were again invited to allow their employees to undergo
examination by the Unit, and the managements of the firms
proved very co-operative. Certain sessions were reserved
for the examination of private residents.
The scheme was advertised to the public in the local Press,
and the Campaign was started by His Worship The Mayor,
who very kindly agreed to be photographed with X-ray
apparatus and permitted the Press to publish photographs
with suitable captions.
It is gratifying to be able to report that the Campaign was
an outstanding success, and I append particulars giving the
results of the examinations.