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146
It was then resolved by the Council that no action at the present
time on the part of the Borough Council was needed for diagnostic
aid to local medical practitioners, or for the sufficiency of hospital
beds for advanced cases.
During 1932, Cancer was responsible for 174 deaths in Hampstead,
and nearly 30,000 deaths in England and Wales. These facts
would indicate that this disease demands from the State more serious
attention than it has yet received. It would be a distinct advantage
to humanity if, in addition to the educative propaganda which now
takes place, there were facilities for the periodic examination of those
(by reason of their age, sex, etc.) most likely to be affected. Again,
the general practitioner should be in a position to receive specialist
advice from clinics connected with hospitals where beds are immediately
available for all cases requiring treatment. The Borough Health
Visitors might be made use of by "following-up" certain cases at the
discretion of the Medical Officer of the clinic.
Although scientific investigation into the cause and treatment of
Cancer continues, it would appear that at the moment the only procedure
to be adopted to obtain a reduction in the number of deaths
from Cancer is to secure an early diagnosis followed by immediate
treatment.
Hospital Beds.
The Borough possesses two endowed beds at the Mount Vernon
Hospital for Cancer at Northwood, Middlesex. Letters of admission
to these beds are issued by His Worship the Mayor.
Radium.
Radium is used at the Marie Curie Hospital, 2, Fitzjohn's
Avenue, and at the Westminster Hospital Annexe, 66, Fitzjohn's
Avenue.