View report page

The number of new notifications of pulmonary tuberculosis diminished
in 1948, compared with 1947, to about the average for recent years,
which is fairly satisfactory considering that the Mass Radiography Unit
first visited the District in November, resulting in the discovery of a number
of early cases. The case rate of 76 per 100,000 population does not
compare unfavourably with previous rates for this District.
The death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis is even better when
compared with previous years, being lower than any similar annual rate
since the beginning of the War or any quinquennial average rate for the
District since 1915.
Turning to the non-pulmonary forms of the disease it is noted that
the number of new cases again increased with a case rate of 21 per 100,000
population, which is nearly double that of two years ago and the highest
since 1930:34. The numbers concerned are, however, relatively small and
probably attributable to more early diagnosis and better notification. On
the other hand the death rate from non-pulmonary tuberculosis of 5 per
100,000 population was about the average and, taken in conjunction
with the absence of deaths from this cause in 1947, suggests a tendency
towards improvement.
The Council is still responsible for certain measures to prevent the
spread of this disease, including rehousing and disinfection. The County
Council is responsible for other preventive measures, including the
examination of. contacts and after care, but the hospital or sanatorium
treatment of cases has passed to the Regional Hospital Boards. The
majority of home visitations is undertaken by a County Health Visitor
appointed specifically for this purpose while the appointment of Care
Almoners has been of great help to the patients and to the Voluntary
Care Committee, which, supported by very substantial contributions from
the County Council, does very useful work in helping in many varied
ways individual cases and their relatives.
The Local Tuberculosis Clinic is held every Monday from 2-4 p.m.
at the Surrey County Council Clinic, 62, Whytecliffe Road, Purley.
23