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from some of their routine work Further the fact that a high proportion of
local residents work in London ensures that many are x rayed by units operating
in different parts of the Metropolis
A diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was made in 169 cases (Crayford 26)
of which 57 (Crayford 10) required close supervision or treatment - an incidence
of 1 6 per thousand x-rayed The total number x rayed, however, includes
16,040 persons who had not previously been x rayed and these show an incidence
for tuberculosis of 2 7 per thousand x rayed One can agree therefore with
the statement made in the Survey report by Dr. J. M. Morgan Director of the
South East London Mass X Ray Service that "an important step has been made in
reducing the number of unrecognised cases in the area surveyed" He continues,
It seems unlikely however that more than 60 per cent of adult residents
in the areas have been examined in the last five years, including those who
have been x-rayed elsewhere, and in an effort to reach the remaining 40 per
cent a mass radiography unit is visiting Bexleyheath weekly and it is hoped
that it will prove possible to persuade a substantial number of this unexamined
group to attend Persons attending this weekly session are, in the main
referred by their private doctors and these attendances are therefore, more
selective than is the case in ordinary mass radiography sessions
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Council for their
encouragement and assistance in carrying out this survey and the innumerable
people who worked so hard on the organisation of the campaign For a fuller
account of the latter, reference is made to the report issued by the Director
of the South East London Mass X Ray Service from the New Cross General Hospital;
S. E. 14
The work of the Bexley, Erith and Crayford Home Safety Committee continued
during the year and with the grant now being received from the Local Health
Authority, has increased in scope. However, this is time consuming work and
must, at present be fitted into the general work of the Health Department
This makes a really sustained effort a matter of some difficulty It may be
that the appointment of a part time Home Safety Organiser for the three areas
covered by the Committee would be one way of solving the difficulty
In conclusion I wish to thank the Chairman and Members of the Health
Committee for their support and encouragement, and the Chief Public Health
Inspector Chief Clerk, and all members of the Health Department for the good
work which has been done during the year
I am,
Your obedient Servant
JOHN LANDON
Medical Officer of Health
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