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I am indebted to Dr. R.H.J. Fanthorpe, Chest Physician, for
the following section of the Report.
Measures for the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis
are directed from the Chest Clinic and the results during 1955
may be regarded as satisfactory.
The number of deaths from all forms of tuberculosis during
1955 was 35 which shows an increase by three when compared with
1954. The incidence of the disease during the year, however, has
shown a very satisfactory decrease and the majority of new
patients are diagnosed at an earlier stage in the disease.
The employment of the tuberculous after completion of treatment
is somewhat easier now than it was five years ago. The
close liaison which exists between the medical staff, Almoner
and Disablement Resettlement Officer of the Ministry of Labour
helps greatly in placing patients in the most suitable employment.
The Industrial Rehabilitation Unit at Waddon does much
valuable work in this connection, particularly for the patient
who has had prolonged absence from work on account of his disease.
Whilst this section of the report is concerned with tuberculosis
it should be realised that all chest conditions are seen
and treated at the Chest Clinic. With the decline in tuberculosis
we are seeing an increase in the incidence of lung cancer and
chronic bronchitis. The former accounts for the highest number
of cancer deaths in males and the latter causes much chronic
invalidism and loss of earning capacity.
Incidence
151 cases of Respiratory Tuberculosis and 20 cases of NonRespiratory
Tuberculosis were notified on Form A during 1955
(Table 1 - Formal Notifications). Of these 107 males and 44
females were Respiratory cases and 10 males and 10 females were
Non-Respiratory. In addition 82 Respiratory cases and 8 Non-Respiratory
cases came to our notice as new cases otherwise than by
notification (Table II - Supplemental Return).
The total number of new cases of Tuberculosis coming to the
knowledge of the Medical Officer of Health during the year 1955
by notification or otherwise was 261 as compared with 336 in
1954, 304 in 1953, 331 in 1952, and 316 in 1951.
233 of these were cases of Respiratory Tuberculosis; 160 in
males and 73 in females. There were 25 fewer males and 48 fewer
females than in 1954.