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45
TUBERCULOSIS
The Council is responsible for the services for the prevention of tuberculosis
and the care and after-care of Tuberculous patients in the community. These
services are carried out in conjunction with the chest clinics provided by the
Regional Hospital Boards and the Boards of Governors of teaching hospitals, and
are under the general supervision of the chest physician.
The Council either employs directly or pays the full cost of T.B. Health
Visitors and Welfare Officers who are based at the chest clinic and reimburses
the hospital authorities an agreed proportion of the cost of the salary of the chest
physician.
Extra nourishment (Milk, butter and eggs) are supplied on the recommendation
of the Chest Physician and clothing is also provided to a small number of patients.
During the year 132 cases received extra nourishment or other benefits.
The Council is responsible for Knight's Hill Hostel for homeless infective
tuberculous men which provides 32 places.
This hostel is one of three serving the Inner London Boroughs. Most of the
residents at Knight's Hill are chargeable to other boroughs.
B.C.G. Vaccination
B.C.G. Vaccination against tuberculosis is undertaken both at the chest
clinics, which normally deal with contacts, and by the Council's doctors in
schools. This protection is offered to all 13 year old school children each year,
and during the period 475 contacts and 3,153 school children were vaccinated.
RECUPERATIVE HOLIDAYS
Recuperative holidays are provided for expectant and nursing mothers and
children under five, psychiatric patients and other adults recovering from illness
where a short term holiday involving rest, fresh air and good food only is needed,
and regular medical supervision and organised nursing are not required.
Patients are placed in private homes and hostels, etc. approved by the Health
Department. A total of 146 holidays were provided as follows
Expectant and nursing mothers and children
under five
Psychiatric patients
Other adults
37
17
92