View report page

chest physicians on the work of the committees and clinics during the year.
Dr. M. Caplin, Consultant Chest Physician to the Chest Clinic at the London Chest
Hospital reports:
"The work of the Chest Clinic at the London Chest Hospital showed little change in
1968. The shift in emphasis in the type of new case from tuberculosis to other respiratory
disease such as chronic bronchitis and lung cancer has continued.
Tuberculosis is now largely a disease of the elderly indigenous male inhabitants of
the United Kingdom, a proportion of whom are homeless and alcoholic, and of the younger
male immigrants. Cases occur, however, in all sections of the community.
Chronic bronchitis and lung cancer are seen to occur predominantly in the indigenous
population, and the incidence for both conditions is high. A survey of chronic bronchitis
involving the close co-operation of many of the local general practitioners in Bethnal
Green has been under way at this clinic since January 1963. Useful information on the
medical and social aspects of this disease has resulted.
Lung cancer is rapidly taking the place of tuberculosis as an important cause of
death. Its causal relationship to cigarette smoking is now generally accepted.
Bronchitis and lung cancer are not commonly met with in the immigrant population at
present. It is interesting to speculate on the future incidence of these conditions in
immigrants as they adopt the local smoking and working habits and live longer in the climate
which has been accused of playing a part in the aetiology of bronchit is. No Doubt,
however, improved working conditions and cleaner air will reduce the risk of bronchitis
in all local inhabitants.
Extension of the facilities originally created for the care of tuberculous patients
to those suffering from other chest diseases continues through the function of the Care
Committee. Unfortunately the income of the Care Committee from whose funds extra help is
distributed to patients in need is now falling. The main source of income in the past has
always been the sale of Christmas Seals from the Chest and Heart Association. With the
decline of tuberculosis, and the resulting fall in its interest to the pub1ic,,coup1ed
with the large number of rival groups appealing at Christmas in the same way, sales of the
Association seals have fallen. However, the need remains, not only for tuberculous
patients but for those suffering from other forms of chest disease.''
Dr. R.M. Orpwood, Chest Physician at the Poplar and Stepney Chest Clinics, reports:
''The work of the Chest Clinics at Stepney and Poplar has followed similar lines
to 1967 and there have been no major developments to report.
Applications for help from the Care Committee funds were fewer than in previous
years, probably as a result of a higher standard of living and increased statutory
allowances. Patients with a short-term illness were able to manage on their allowances,
but grants were made from the voluntary fund to meet the specific needs of patients who
-121-