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with 0.52 last year. Non-pulmonary cases notified numbered 7. The mortality rate for
pulmonary tuberculosis was 6.5 per 100,000 population compared with 4.2 in 1969.
Statistical data relating to new cases, deaths and variations in the register
will be found on page 88.
Mass Radiography
Chest X-ray by mass miniature radiography is carried out in the borough by two
mobile units of the North-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board. Unit 6A, whose
headquarters are at the Connaught Hospital, Walthamstow, covers mainly the Stepney
area of the borough whilst Unit 6B, sited at First Avenue, Plaistow, is responsible
for the Bethnal Green and Poplar areas.
I am indebted to the Medical Directors and Organising Secretaries for the
information on visits to the borough by the mobile units and on the work of the
static unit during 1970 which will be found on page 90.
The Secretary of State has approved the proposals of the North-East Metropolitan
Regional Hospital Board to reduce mass miniature radiography units operating in the
region from four to two by the end of 1971. This will result in the demise of
Unit 6B and will restrict, if not curtail, the mobility of Unit 6A. However, the
regular Tuesday afternoon sessions carried out by Unit 6A in the borough at Toynbee
Hall are to continue.
Public Health (Prevention of Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1925
These Regulations provide that persons suffering from tuberculosis of the
respiratory tract shall not be employed in the handling of milk or milk receptacles.
Power is given to the Council to cause such persons to discontinue their employment.
It was not found necessary to take action under the Regulations during the year.
B.C.G. Vaccination
The numbers of children vaccinated during the year, under the Council's scheme
for the B.C.G. vaccination of susceptible (tuberculin negative) child contacts of
known tuberculous patients, diabetic children, thirteen-year old schoolchildren,
students at further education establishments and mentally subnormal persons at
training centres, are shown in Table 15 on page 90.
Other Preventive Measures
In addition to the B.C.G. vaccination scheme, other preventive measures include
the chest X-ray of all newly appointed staff and a triennial X-ray of those who are
likely to work in close and frequent contact with children, staff at the Council's
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