View report page

The existing Stepney Chest Clinic has been functioning continuously at
Steels Lane since it was opened by the Stepney Borough Council in 1936. The
value of the work there is vindicated in the way, during the succeeding years
that tuberculosis has almost, although not entirely, disappeared from our midst,
The more concentrated approach at a larger, hospital-based Chest Clinic, cannot
fail to continue this trend.
The activities of the two Care Committees have continued as in previous
years Grants were made from the Voluntary Funds to patients in need, particularly
pensioners and those in financial difficulties following a long periodof i11ness.
Gifts were made at Christmas-time to patients ill at home, to enable them to have
extra comforts.
Donations to the Funds were received from local firms in response to the
annua] appeal, but the income is falling every year. The Committees hope,
however to be able to continue this voluntary effort as long as the need exists."
Health Control of Immigrants
During the year, 529 advice notes of immigrant arrivals, were received in
the department from various ports of entry and successful contact was made in 351
instances Of the remaining 178 some had moved to addresses outside the borough,
and details were forwarded to the authority concerned, but the majority were
either not known or had never arrived at the address given.
One immigrant suffering from tuberculosis was admitted on condition that she
reported to the Medical Officer of Health for examination. Arrangements were made
for her to attend a Chest Clinic.
VENEREAL DISEASE

Returns received from 8 other hospitals in London of new patients attending
their clinics during the year showed that 231 were residents of Tower Hamlets,
comprising 6 syphilis. 35 gonorrhoea and 190 other venereal conditions.
-19-