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27
THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS
Dr. R.H.J. Fanthorpe, M. D., M. R. C.P.
Chest Physician
Measures for the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis
are directed from the Chest Clinic and the results during 1963
may be regarded as satisfactory.
Hie number of deaths from all forms of Tuberculosis during
1963 was 21 which shows an increase of 7 when compared with 1962.
Hie number of new cases of tuberculosis diagnosed during the
year shows a very slight increase compared with 1962. This fact
makes it quite clear that we must continue our efforts at case
finding in order that this disease may ultimately be eradicated.
Hie General Practitioner Miniature X-Ray Service continues
to function in a satisfactory way and is well used by the Local
practitioners.
Hie results of this service are summarised below:-
Number of miniature films taken 4,259
Number of patients recalled for examination and
large film 695
Number of active cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis 33
Number of cases of lung cancer found 43
It will be seen that the number of patients found suffering
from Pulmonary Tuberculosis represents a rate of 7.7 per 1,000
which compares favourably with the figure of 1.1 per 1, 000 from
Public Mass X-Ray Surveys. It should be realised that patients
referred to the clinic for Miniature X-Ray usually have chest
symptoms whereas many patients attending public Mass Radiography
sessions have no symptoms.
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 and in the Chest Wards in Mayday
Hospital. The incidence and mortality of Tuberculosis continues
to decline in a satisfactory way but the problem of Chronic
Bronchitis and Lung Cancer becomes greater in each successive
year.