View report page

CHEST CLINIC, DEPTFORD
I am indebted to Dr J P Rigby for the following report concerning
the Chest Clinic at Harton Street, of which he is consultant
physicians-
The main feature of 1972 was a continuing decline in pulmonary
tuberculosis in the Deptford area. Doubtless this is due to gradual
eradication by energetic treatment following discovery by chest
X-rays surveys and prevention by the giving of BCG vaccination to
pre-school leaving children at the age of thirteen in London.
There is, however, still some new tuberculosis found mainly in
Carrington House, the largo Common Lodging House here. The response
there to the periodic X-ray surveys has played its beneficial part
and has been increased by inducements to individuals to attend the
Unit.
The Deptford Chest Clinic continues to survive nut is due for
demolition before long. It will, however, rise like a Phoenix from
the ashes and move elsewhere, either to the Miller General Hospital
or the Greenwich District Hospital, where it is hoped that the
patients will continue to be adequately followed up. The Deptford
Chest Clinic has been worth its weight in gold to this locality as,
since its inception in 1928 on this site, the Clinic has been the
main means of getting rid of tuberculosis in Deptford. Many people
will miss the Clinic which has done noble work.
The detection and treatment of lung cancer remains one of the main
occupations of this Clinic at the present time. Many cases of chest
diseases and bronchitis are seen and treated along with other
conditions.
During 1972 fresh cohorts of heavy cigarette smokers of both sexes
were seen and they were urged to reduce their smoking in order to
improve their chest condition in this relatively polluted urban
atmosphere. If anything, the men are the heaviest smokers, but in
these days of liberation, the women are catching them up.
96