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83
Mass radiography unit
A twoday exhibition on the personal health services was arranged by
the divisional office of the LCC at the Central Lewisham Welfare Centre,
410, Lewisham High Street in July. This exhibition was attended by
the mass Xray unit — an innovation as the unit usually spends six
weeks to two months in an area. The unit proved an attraction and
examined some 750 persons.
In a report received from the director of the unit, it is stated that
for the first time men and women were admitted at the same hours
and that children also were examined. In the past children under 15
have been excluded.
246 males were examined and of these 11 appeared possibly unsatisfactory
on the miniature film and were recalled for reexamination
on a large film. 8 of the 11 were found to have abnormalities, of which
3 were probably new cases of tuberculosis requiring further investigation,
one had another chest condition requiring investigation, 2 had
abnormalities requiring no action and in 2 the examination was not
completed at the time of the report.
511 females were examined and of these 26 appeared possibly
unsatisfactory on the miniature film and were recalled for reexamination
on a large film. 23 of the 26 were found to have abnormalities, of
which 9 were probably new cases of tuberculosis requiring further
investigation, one was a previously known case of tuberculosis, 6 had
abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels, 6 had abnormalities requiring
no action, and in one the examination had not been completed at the time
of the report.
In all, therefore, there were 12 persons who were probably new
cases of pulmonary tuberculosis for further investigation, and one of
these was a child of 5.
Tuberculosis control
As indicated in last year's report the position with regard to tuberculosis
has recently undergone a considerable change for the better
and the disease now appears well on the downgrade. Better ascertainment,
better methods of treatment, and better prevention (in which
nutrition, BCG vaccination, and improved hygiene have played their
parts) have helped bring about this more optimistic picture, though it
is to be regretted that this country is still woefully lagging behind in
prevention by BCG vaccine. (The small amount required has to be
imported). The fundamental necessity of ascertainment in tuberculosis
is illustrated by a report in the British Medical Journal last autumn
of a survey of tuberculosis in a mining valley, a quotation being as
follows:—"This survey also shows the hidden danger of unknown
sources of infection. Of 68 women with positive sputum, 22 were
previously unknown; and of 54 men with positive sputum, 15 were
previously unknown. Thus for both sexes combined no fewer than
30 percent of those with positive sputum were not previously known
to be suffering from tuberculosis. Of all the patients with active disease
40 percent were previously unknown. It would seem not unreasonable
to suppose from this that in Britain as a whole a large proportion —