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Council's scheme for the B,C.G. vaccination against tuberculosis
of older groups of schoolchildren has revealed very few cases of
primary contact infection causing disease. Strongly positive re
actors are referred to the Chest Clinic for observation and
diagnosis, and the routine examination of their contacts has
revealed very few source cases of infection previously unknown.
The number of negative reactors in older schoolchildren has
increased in recent years and reflects success in reducing the
number of infectious cases among the population. This is testimony
to the efficacy of modern out patient treatment of those suffering
from the disease.
Treatment
Whilst most new cases, of pulmonary tuberculosis require
initial hospital treatment, the majority are able to continue
with chemotherapy as Chest Clinic outpatients A small minority
of suitable cases in need of surgical treatment are re admitted
for operation. There was a total of 20 such admissions during the
year.
Old standing chronic cases, now usually in the older male
age groups, need hospital treatment from time to time and 25
such admissions were arranged by the Chest Clinic during the year.
Most of them were admitted to Dulwich Hospital from the Hostel
for Tuberculous Men at Knight's Hill. A tuberculous ward for males
is available at Dulwich Hospital under the clinical charge of the
Consultant Chest Physician.
The Tuberculosis Hostel provides excellent accommodation for
chronic tuberculous men and experience over the past two years
has confirmed the need for such establishments and its success
in restricting the infector pool.
Lambeth (South) Chest Clinic
Although situated outside the area of South Lambeth, which
it serves, the Clinic is well attended and is well used by local
practitioners who refer their cases for diagnosis and treatment.
There were 4476 patient attendances during the year. Whilst other
diseases of the chest are diagnosed and treated, tuberculosis
continues to be the main concern of the Clinic and its service
is directed to deal with the tuberculosis problem. It provides