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Fulham Chest Clinic Report.
There has been very little change in the overall pattern of tuberculosis in the Borough
since my last report.
During the year there has been a reorganisation of Clinic work. A total recheck of the
Tuberculosis Register is currently taking place, and there has been a reduction of medical staff
which is reflected in the total attendance figures as shown in the statistics, see Appendix, p.93.
The number of new notifications has shown a very slight rise from 50 - 53. However, a
breakdown in age and sex shows this to be mainly in the older age groups amongst the males,
with a continued fall in the numbers notified under 16 years of age. This is clearly seen in the
Appendix. Males, as usual, predominate, there being a relative increase in the males and a
corresponding decrease in the females in most of the older age groups.
There were no deaths under 36, but the older men are tending to die more rapidly than the
older women, but even here the numbers are very small.
After Care.
Illness in a family always causes worry and anxiety, and there is much that can be done
to help the patient through the financial or domestic crisis it entails.
The Samaritan Fund of the Fulham Chest Clinic is able to help patients and their relatives
with the payments of rent, with loans, with fares and with holidays. Extra comforts are provided
for the elderly, and this year 46 ten-shilling notes with Christmas cards were sent to the old and
sick.
Recuperative holidays are arranged through the Health Department for patients who could
not otherwise afford them and who would benefit from rest and change. Extra nourishment in the
form of milk, butter and eggs is provided for tuberculous patients on a low income. This can be a
great help to them.
The Pottery Unit in the New Kings Road still continues to produce some very good work.
An exhibition of the patients' work was held in November and was very successful. The Diversional
Therapist visits patients in their own homes and helps them to make a variety of articles,
including rugs, basket work, trays, embroidery and toys. Each week a class is held for the
residents at Hurlingham Lodge.
Although patients are occasionally rehoused, housing still remains a great socio-medical
problem, for damp and cold conditions can be causes of chest complaints. Old people also constitute
social problems of our time, and there is still a great deal to be done for them.
Hugh C. Price, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H.,
Consultant Chest Physician.
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