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37
The three chest wards at the South-Western Hospital are used for all types
of chest illness. It can be seen that a quarter of the admissions with tuberculosis
were homeless men. Without the T.B. Hostel run by the Lambeth Council at
Knights Hill it would be very difficult to make suitable plans for aftercare.
1971
Total attendance in Chest Department 10,819
Total No. of B.C.G. vaccinations 170
No. of outpatient bronchoscopies 46
No. of new cases Ca. bronchus diagnosed in outpatients 47
No. of new cases of tuberculosis notified, North Lambeth 74
No. of patients on chemotherapy 134
Break down of South-Western (Chest Ward's) admissions,
by diagnosis in 1971
Tuberculosis 72
Cancer 55
Bronchitis and Cor Pulmonale 75
Other diagnosis 46
248
This figure shows change due to increasing age of patients.
No less than 24 of the 72 cases of tuberculosis were men from lodging
houses and of no fixed abode; of these 6 have already defected from outpatient
treatment. Three (3) of these have been readmitted to other hospitals with
further tuberculous disease.
The children's Contact Clinic has diminished in numbers since there is a
higher incidence of tuberculosis in the older age group, with fewer children at
risk. The number of outpatient bronchoscopies and other tests for bronchial
carcinomas have increased. Treatment can often be palliative only and arrangements
for terminal care must be made in good time. The district nurses, home
helps and other council services have given a great deal of help to these patients.