London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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St Pancras 1945

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St. Pancras, Metropolitan Borough]

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989 in 1938 to 2,326 in 1945. All the X-ray films were made at Highgate Hospital and
reported on by the Tuberculosis Officer and rather more than a quarter of the refills were
given by the Tuberculosis Officer also at Highgate Hospital. Rather more than half the refills
were given at University College Hospital by the Hospital staff and the remainder were given
at Brompton or other Hospitals.
The work at the Tuberculosis Dispensary has also been increased to a marked extent by
the introduction of maintenance allowances for certain tuberculous persons in July, 1943.
Owing to the exclusion of all persons suffering from non-pulmonary tuberculosis, of all persons
suffering from pulmonary disease who are not likely to recover sufficiently to return to work,
of persons not regarded as householders and of course of persons who are able to work only a
small proportion of those on the notification register benefit under the Scheme. In 1945, this
proportion amounted to 124 out of 1,119 and it has never been very much higher. Nevertheless,
the work entailed is considerable and the figures for 1945 show that well over 1,000
assessments and re-assessments had to be made all of which may need much detailed enquiry.
It became necessary to employ an additional clerk at the dispensary to assist in this work but
even so the Tuberculosis Visitors find that it takes up time which could be devoted to other
duties. There is no doubt, however, that the Scheme has been of great value and its continuation
and expansion is greatly to be desired.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee continued to carry on its functions throughout the
war and the current figures show that its activities are increasing.
Tuberculosis Dispensary.

The number of definite cases of tuberculosis on the Dispensary Register at the end of the year was: —

PulmonaryNon-PulmonaryTotals
AdultsChildrenAdultsChildrenAdultsChildren
MFMFMFMFMFMF
4142514621412833114552797932
Total attendances3,843Visits by Tuberculosis Visitors2,442
X-Ray Examinations982Sputum Examinations479
A.P. Refills2,326Admissions to Institutions319