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The average age of patients is increasing, many are old age pensioners who
derive great benefit from various forms of help provided by the Borough, including
the recuperative holidays, holidays for the elderly, clubs and homes; many
however are very worried by housing conditions and the financial difficulties that
a long chronic illness brings.
BATTERSEA CHEST CLINIC
I am indebted to Dr. J.G.S. McQueen, Chest Physician, Battersea Chest Clinic
for the following report on the work of the Clinic for the year 1966.
Contracts. 488 contacts of tuberculous cases were examined, of whom 16 were
found to be suffering from tuberculosis.
Immigrants. It is the general experience in England that in areas where
immigrants tend to settle in large numbers, there is an excessive amount of
tuberculosis among them, and our area is no exception. Whereas in 1963 immigrants
and their children (who may have been born in this country) provided 14% of all
notifications in my clinic area, the percentage rose to 24% in 1964, 46% in 1965
and 61% in 1966. This occurred while the notifications among the native populatior
of English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish extraction were decreasing, leaving the total
number of notifications fairly constant. This excessive amount of tuberculosis
mostly occurs in families who have been in this country for several years - few
cases are found in immigrants on entry into the country.
The total number of cases attending the clinic fa the first time (excluding
tuberculosis contacts) was 552, and the total attendances were 4,362. Most of
these cases were referred for diagnosis by general practitioners on account of
symptoms referable to the chest, but not necessarily on suspicion of tuberculosis.
3,613 x-ray examinations were made.
The clinic offers miniature (100 mm.) radiography on demand on two sessions
per week - Tuesday afternoon and evening; to patients referred by General
Practitioners.
B.C.G. vaccination is offered to tuberculosis contacts, to immigrants and to
children who may have missed the opportunity at school - 135 vaccinations were
carried out.