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An examinee, age 24, attended this Unit for a routine film in October 1953, and nothing
abnormal was found. In March 1956, an opaque mass was found in the right side of the chest.
On April the 30th, 1956, he was operated upon by Mr. N.R. Barrett, and a large dermoid was
removed. Histologically it was a benign cystic teratoma.
"The interesting feature of this case is the rapid growth of a presumably congenital tumour
during two and a half years of adult life. This case was reported in "The Lancet", June 1957,
by Dr. R.F. Guymer, Chief Medical Officer, Lloyds Bank, to whom I am indebted for the details.
"CONCLUSION Since the Unit commenced operating in May 1950, it has examined (up to
the end of 1956) 208,373 males and 152,274 females, making a grand total of 360,647.
"The friendliest relationship has existed between the Unit and Dr. J. Greenwood Wilson,
Medical Officer of Health for the City of London, and with the Medical Officers of Health for the
Boroughs of Finsbury and Shoreditch, all of whom have been most helpful. Our grateful thanks
must also be accorded to the London County Cpuncil and the Divisional Medical Officers, in
Health Divisions 3, 4 and 5. To the Centred Group Hospital Management Committee and to the
Regional Hospital Board, we have much pleasure in recording our gratitude for the many services
they have rendered to this Unit during 1956."
Food Poisoning
Only one formal notification was received during the year. This was a case of suspected
food poisoning which was not confirmed.
Eight outbreaks of food poisoning were reported and were investigated. These were all
reported to the Public Health Committee at the time of their occurrence. The reports are repeated
here in order that they may be readily available for reference at any time in the future.
INCIDENT 1.
A small outbreak of what appeared to be mild food poisoning in a refreshment club in the
City was received on 20th January. The suspected meal was luncheon served on 17th January.
None of the food served at the meal was available for examination, but the probable vehicle of
infection was stewed steak, which was cooked on the 16th January, allowed to cool, put in the
refrigerator overnight, and served on 17th January.
Thirteen persons were affected with abdominal pain, and diarrhoea coming on some 7 to 10
hours after the meal, and continuing from 12 to 36 hours,
It appears probable that the infecting organism was a heat-resistant strain of Clostridium
welchii.
The kitchen was generally satisfactory, but several improvements were suggested, including
the provision of a lavatory basin in addition to the sinks, of separate towels instead of a common
towel for the staff, and the overhaul of the refrigerator.
INCIDENT 2.
On 8th February, a report was received of an outbreak of food poisoning at a business house
in the City, which appeared to be connected with the mid-day meal served in their canteen on
6th February.
The circumstances of the outbreak were investigated by a Public Health Inspector, and the
staff of the firm, including the kitchen staff, were most co-operative.
4.