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Most new cases continue to be discovered as a result of chest X-ray examination
advised by General Practitioners. A certain number are found by routine
mass radiography unit examinations, but is a diminishing percentage as a higher
proportion of examinations are repeat X-rays of individuals passed normal in
previous years.
On an estimated population of 120,000 served by the Lambeth (South) Chest
Clinic, with a total of 1,239 cases on the Register, 1% of the community is in
need of supervision and advice for tuberculosis.
Treatment
Approximately half the number of newly diagnosed cases were in need of
initial hospital or sanatorium treatment, and there were 41 new case admissions
during the year. Immediate vacancies were available.
Most patients in need of long term treatment were given chemo-therapy
under Chest Clinic outpatient sipervision, and there were 250 such patients
treated during the year. Most were able to continue at work.
The Chest Clinic was well attended by patients and used by General
Practitioners during 1960, and there were 4,400 patient attendances.
The London County Council tuberculosis health visitors paid 3,200 visits to
patients' homes and at any one time during the year about 100 patients were
receiving extra milk, butter and eggs provided by the Council.
Many cases of non-tuberculous respiratory disease are now seen at the
Chest Clinic, including chronic bronchitis where there is a casual relationship
with the polluted London atmosphere. Cancer of the lung is becoming a more
common finding and close liaison with King's College Hospital and the Specialist
Chest Hospitals is maintained in arrangements for treatment. The Chest Clinic
is taking part in the further investigation of smoking as a possible cause of this
disease, organised by the Research Committee of the British Tuberculosis
Association.