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The Clinic, with its associated independent radiography
department and 27 tuberculosis beds, is housed in Hammersmith
Hospital and is run as an integral unit. A consultant diagnostic
service for chest diseases is provided for local practitioners, who
may send patients for full consultation, provided a letter of
introduction is produced, or for X-ray examination only; this is
arranged by a special form of reference. This latter service
provides a rapid means of obtaining a chest X-ray without the
formality of being examined by a consultant or other hospital
physician.
In addition to the diagnostic services provided, out-patient
Clinics are held for new and follow-up cases, for refills,
ambulance cases, contacts, and for anti-tuberculosis vaccinations.
Attendances at all clinics (with the exception of the X-ray
only service, which is held on Monday afternoon) are strictly by
appointment only.
During the treatment, rehabilitation and re-settlement of
tuberculous patients, many social and financial problems arise.
To provide adequate help and advice in these circumstances a
fully equipped social welfare department forms an integral part
of the Chest Clinic service. This department is in the hands of
a certificated Almoner, who is in contact with many statutory
and voluntary agencies through which advice and assistance can
be provided.
In view of the relative shortage of sanatorium beds, a comprehensive
domiciliary management scheme for tuberculous
patients is in operation in Hammersmith. Patients are treated
with modern methods in their own homes and visited there by
the staff of the Chest Clinic. Visits to the Clinic are arranged
as necessary by ambulance and patients are also admitted to
the Chest Clinic beds for chemotherapy and for major and minor
thoracic surgery. Sanatorium treatment, when this is necessary,
is undertaken in sanatoria under the auspices of the North-West
Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board.
Personal Health Services.
The County Council remained responsible for the personal
health services under the charge of Dr. V. I. Russell, and her
deputy, Dr. R. H. Simpson. The day to day administration of
these services is provided by the Medical Officers of Health for
the Boroughs of Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith and Kensington.
The liaison between the staffs of the county council and
the borough council continue on a very happy and cordial
footing.