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the total number of attendances was 9,223 and 855 people were visited
in their homes.
The growth of the Hospital is shown by present day figures. The
Hospital has 238 beds and treats nearly 20,000 casualties who make
48,000 attendances. The Out-patients Department deal with about
19,000 new patients who mate nearly 100,000 attendances in the course
of a year. Figures show that about 70% of all in-patients come from
the West London area.
hammersmith Chest Clinic
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 which is arranged by a special form of
reference. This latter service provides a rapid means of obtaining
chest X-ray without the formality of being examined by a 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.
A comprehensive management scheme for tuberculous patients is in
operation in Hammersmith. Patients are treated with modem methods as
out-patients or in their own homes where they are visited by the staff
of the Cihest 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. During the year both Dr. V.I.Russell and her deputy,
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