View report page

is slightly more than the average for England and Wales which is given in
the 1950-51 report of the Ministry of Health as 0.3 per cent.
Local records show that 72 new cases of Tuberculosis (71 pulmonary
and 1 non-pulmonary) were notified. Cases have increased by 4 during
the year. Comparison with records of recent years shows little real
change in the incidence of tuberculosis. In 1942 local records showed 68
new cases of tuberculosis; the reports of the Mass Miniature Radiography
Unit show little change from previous years ; while the number
of patients admitted to Sanatoria in the past few years also remains
constant and is as follows:—61 (1950), 57 (1951) and 62 (1952).
The Tuberculosis Care Committee continues to provide valuable
assistance for the patients and their families, and to help them over
their difficulties on returning home.
The increasing number of persons who willingly attended Clinics
for examination, and the continued success of the Mass Miniature
Radiography Units, show the value of health education.
Employment in the Borough is provided by general engineering,
light engineering, electrical apparatus manufacture, chemical
manufacture and research, and the building and decorating trades, and
there is a high level of local employment. However, the invalid and
elderly and many others, are often in need of help and in this respect the
report of the local Area Organiser of the Women's Voluntary Service
shows the valuable work carried out. Other voluntary Committees and
Associations are mentioned in this Report and I would like to add the
Beckenham Branch of the Infantile Paralysis Fellowship as well as the
local branches of the British Red Cross and St John of Jerusalem
Societies.
The local activities of the branch of the Infantile Paralysis Fellowship
are well-known from reports of their monthly meetings, but less is
known of their welfare activities including assistance with home
problems of adult married patients.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks for their friendly
co-operation to Dr. Elliott, the County Medical Officer of Health, and
to Dr. Ward of the County Staff.
I offer my appreciation to you and the members of the Health
Committee for your sustained interest and encouragement and thank
my staff for their efficiency and enthusiasm throughout the year.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Medical Officer of Health.
5