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The clinic, with its associated independent radiography department
and 27 tuberculosis beds, is based 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 fonn 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 fonns an integral part of the
Chest clinic service. This department is in the hands of a certified
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 hones 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 or, 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 liason between the staffs of the county council and the
borough council continue on a very happy and cordial footing.