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I am indebted to the Consultant Physician at each of these Clinics for the following reports of their
activities during 1972.
Paddington Chest Clinic — Dr. P.A. Zorab, Consultant Physician
The tuberculosis problem in this area has special features in that so many of the immigrant population
live in overcrowded conditions and, in consequence, any new case may spread infection rapidly unless
detected in good time, thus holding regular contact clinics has proved most helpful in our aim to eradicate
the disease.
Referrals from general practitioners of patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer as well as
many less common chest diseases have increased. Liaison with local practitioners continues to be the most
useful way of providing a chest service for the area.
A research project on "Effects of Drugs on Sputum Viscosity" has been completed and a new project
relating changes in small vessels in the lung to right heart hypertrophy in patients with chronic hypoxic lung
disease, will shortly be commenced.
Several fund raising functions were held by the Paddington Care Committee who arranged a very
successful summer coach outing for our old-age pensioner patients and a most enjoyable Christmas Party
was held at Church House, Newton Road, W.2. In addition the Committee helped many patients during
1972.
St. Marylebone Chest Clinic — Dr. G. Shneerson, Consultant Physician
Contrary to recent trends in 1972 there has been a slight increase in the number of newly notified cases
of tuberculosis: the number of deaths reported during this past year from lung cancer has appreciably
diminished.
The diagnostic facilities offered by this chest clinic remain unchanged.
Westminster Hospital Chest Clinic — Dr. P.A. Emerson, Consultant Physician
The total number of patients attending the Clinic in 1972 remained the same as the previous year, but
the number of newly diagnosed cases of tuberculosis increased considerably compared with 1971. Thirtyone
new cases were notified as opposed to sixteen the previous year. Of these thirty-one, twenty-two were
males and nine females.
Of the tuberculous patients referred to the Clinic, one was sent by his general practitioner, three were
discovered by the South West London Mass X-ray Service and the remainder were notified by various
hospitals and mass X-ray units.
Statistics relating to notifications of tuberculosis in Westminster, and deaths, during 1972 are set out in
Table 4, page 63, whilst further statistics dealing with care and after-care of tuberculous patients, and work
undertaken at the three Chest Clinics, are set out in Table 52, page 92.