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There were 13 tuberculosis deaths (12 pulmonary and 1 non-pulmonary) during 1970. The death rate of
all forms of tuberculosis was 0.06 per 1,000 of the population, as against the national rate of 0.03.
Hostel for homeless tuberculous men
During the year eight men were discharged from Cromwell Lodge, some to ordinary hostels and some to
hospital and, unfortunately, two others died in hospital. Twelve men were admitted and the number in
residence at the end of the year was 27 (25). 21 (20) of these were from other London Boroughs. 1(1)
Islington man was in residence at Hurlingham Lodge Hostel in the London Borough of Hammersmith. A
quarterly case conference (comprising, inter alia, my deputy, Dr. A. K. Arnold and the assistant chest
physician, Whittington Hospital) was established to review the continued need for residence in each case
with the aim of reducing the waiting list of referrals for admission to the hostel by encouraging a turnover
of residents.
Over the years the hostel has suffered severely from staff recruitment difficulties, particularly in regard
to the assistant warden's post and, to a lesser extent, that of the cook. In fact, in the past four years the
post of assistant warden has been occupied for only seven months, despite intensive advertising covering
many publications. So it may be said that one of the outstanding events of 1970, in connection with the
hostel, was the appointment of an assistant warden in August. However, a few months later he succeeded
the warden, who retired after ten years unstinting and invaluable service and, at the end of the year, we
were once again faced with the problem of recruiting an assistant warden.
Home Visiting — by health visitors
Total visits (including contacts, but excluding unsuccessful visits). 2,913 (2,951).
Diversional Therapy
Total sessions held at Cromwell Lodge Hostel 93½ (125).
Total number of visits made to patients in their own homes 1,420 (1,495).
Chest Clinics
Patients could be referred, or persons could attend for examination to the following centres:
Islington Chest Clinic, St. Mary's Wing, Whittington Hospital, N.19.
Mass X-ray Unit of the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, 32 Drayton Park, N.5.
Islington Chest and Tuberculosis Care Committee
The Committee again concentrated on the provision of food and fuel vouchers. 170 patients were given
gifts at Christmas and letters of appreciation were received showing how much these were welcomed.
Other grants were made during the year to help to cover the urgent needs caused by sudden illness. A
telephone was installed on the recommendation of the medical staff for one patient who lived alone. Help
was received from the Friends of the Royal Northern and Associated Hospitals, the Friends of Whittington
Hospital, the Cloudesley Trust, Benevolent Society of Saint Patrick, Marks and Spencers, other firms in the
Borough and many generous folk.
The Starliners gave a most enjoyable concert to nearly 700 people at the Town Hall which raised enough
money to pay for an outing to Eastbourne for 50 patients.
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