London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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Tuberculosis in immigrants - year ended 31st December, 1966
| COUNTRY where passport was issued as stated by Port Health Authority | Number of advice* notes received during the year from ports and airports relating to arrival of immigrants | Number of first/ successful visits paid during the year | Number of pulmonary tuberculosis notifications subsequently received relating to immigrants who arrived during the year |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES | |||
| Carribean | 181 | 106 | |
| India | 79 | 37 | |
| Pakistan | 59 | 25 | |
| Other Asian | 31 | 15 | |
| African | 178 | 123 | 1 |
| Other | 55 | 18 | |
| NON-COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES | |||
| European | 44 | 24 | |
| Other | 1 | 1 | |
| TOTAL | 628 | 349 | 1 |
* Advice of arrival of immigrant
/ First successful visit means the first time the local health authority
officer established contact with the immigrant.
It will be seen from the chart that 349 successful visits were paid to immigrant
arrivals to the Borough during 1966. In only one case was a notification of pulmonary
tuberculosis subsequently received relating to these arrivals. These visits were paid
by an officer of the Welfare Department, and I should like to record my thanks to the
Chief Welfare Officer.
Tuberculosis Care Committee
The Borough continued to aid the voluntary tuberculosis care committees whose
work included the following:-
Islington Chest and Tuberculosis Care Committee
In July, 49 patients enjoyed an outing to Worthing, part of the cost being met
from the proceeds of a concert and the remainder from care committee funds.
At Christmas food vouchers to a total of £495 were distributed to over 200
patients who also each received a fuel voucher to the value of 15s. Od.
Throughout the year patients and their families were given advice on mortgages,
rent control and a wide range of personal problems. Help was also given with
supplementary nourishment, fuel, holidays and fares.
The care committee also administered an occupational therapy service and during
the year the two occupational therapists employed by the Borough instructed 30
patients in their own homes and 5 residents at Cromwell Lodge hostel.
Funds were obtained from charitable organisations, by special efforts, including
a large sum from the Christmas Seal Sale. Many firms contributed gift parcels.
The officers of the Committee were:-
Councillor Mrs.E.M. Simms - Chairman Dr.V.Freeman - Honorary Treasurer
Councillor Mrs.B.Stradling - Vice-chairman Mr.J.Buckle - Welfare Officer &
Secretary
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