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41
I am indebted to Dr. H. J. Anderson for the following report on the work
of St. Thomas's Chest Clinic for the year: —
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE CHEST CLINIC,
ST. THOMAS'S HOSPITAL, 1970
The overall pattern of work did not alter much. Each week there are six
general chest sessions, one bronchitis session and one contact clinic, and a small
research clinic.
There were fewer referrals from Mass X-ray, but more from general
practitioners. The major increase in cases of carcinoma of the lung shows in the
number of outpatient bronchoscopies arranged. Unfortunately most of these
were only suitable for palliative therapy.
The hospital Social Service Department helped with the terminal arrangements
for patients who could not be managed at home even with the help of
the Council services, i.e. district nurses and home helps, and saw that their needs
were supplied.
The Clinic continued to X-ray home helps, children who were positive skin
reactors at school for the Borough's school B.C.G. programme.
There were several cases of T.B. meningitis admitted during the year. The
majority of patients with active tuberculosis were treated by long term chemotherapy,
following a short stay in hospital to establish treatment. Unfortunately
the homeless vagrants among them are not easy to manage. The hostel for
tuberculous men run by the Council has been very useful in resettling some of
these men.
Statistics
66 notifications of tuberculosis —
57 men (10 immigrants)
13 women ( 3 immigrants)
6 children
Outpatient attendances 11,377
B.C.G. vaccinations 114 children
38 babies
Outpatient bronchoscopies 51