View report page

Frequently statutory and voluntary sources are unable to supply all the help required
in a particular case, and the limited funds of the Committee have then to be drawn on. It
will be a sad day for many of our patients if this fund ceases to exist''.
Dr. R. M. Orpwood, Chest Physician at the Poplar and Stepney Chest Clinics reports:
'"There has been no major change in the pattern of work at the Poplar and Stepney Chest
Clinics during 1969. As far as this section of the Tower Hamlets area is concerned, tuberculosis
still remains an important problem both clinically and epidemiologically. Statistically
we seem to have reached ''rock bottom" regarding the number of deaths and new notifications
of this disease. There has been no significant drop in either of these numbers during the
past few years. With the relatively high incidence amongst Lodging House residents and people
of no fixed abode, it. seems likely that these numbers will remain constant for some years
yet. Immigrants still produce a higher proportion of new cases compared with native-born
U. K. citizens, but there is a definite reduction.of cases amongst those of West Indian
origin.
The increase in lung cancer continues to be a matter of major concern, and with the
heavy smoking habits in the population particularly during the past 25-30 years, we must
expect the position to worsen further during the next decade.
The oniy positive action likely to produce favourable results will be with the young,
and one is, so far, disheartened with the lack of effect all efforts so far have had in this
age group. An even more positive approach through the schools and youth organisations is
clearly indicated. All who have influence with' the young must bear a heavy responsibility in
this problem, both by precept and example.
The welfare of all patients attending the Chest Clinics remained the chief concern of
the Care Committees during t;he year. Patients were assisted in claiming the statutory
allowances to which they were entitled and, in cases of emergency, grants were made from
the Care Committee's voluntary fund.
Local firms again contributed to the fund and this enabled the Stepney Committee to
arrange a day's outing in the summer for the chronic sick, and at Christmas time gifts were
made to those at home in need of extra comforts. Several elderly home-bound patients were
also given help with extra fuel during the winter months.
The social problems of immigrant patients were more difficult to resolve owing to the
language difficulty and their confusion oyer the complex welfare state regulations, but on
the whole, patient's problems have decreased asaresultof increased allowances and improved
standards of living. Pensioners, and those who have had a very long period of illness,continue
to need the additional voluntary help given by the Care Committees''.
Health Control of Immigrants
r
During the year, 549 advice notes of immigrant arrivals, were received in the department
from various ports of entry and successful contact was made in 330 instances. Of the remaining
219 some had moved to addresses outside the borough and details were forwarded to the authority
20