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Dagenham may feel justly proud of the work of the Chest
Clinic during the past year.
The small team of three tuberculosis Health Visitors maintain
the links between the hospital services, the health department and
the social agencies involved in the care of the tuberculosis patient.
Their duties involve visiting the homes of all notified cases to
give reassurance and help to the family, to advise on the care of
the patient and arrange for the medical examination of all contacts.
They ensure by frequent visits and discussions that the patient and
family understand the physician's instructions, as it is only by
adequate education of patients and contacts that tuberculosis can
be eradicated.
In necessitous cases arrangements for grants and assistance
are made by the Health Visitor in contact with statutory and voluntary
agencies in the Borough.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee plays an active part in the
rehabilitation of these patients and our thanks are due to the members
of the public and the staff who so willingly give their time
to this work.
The success of the work of the Occupational Therapist for
tuberculosis patients in the teaching of handicrafts can be judged
from the high quality of work exhibited each year at the Dagenham
Town Show.
Mass Radiography Survey
The Mass Radiography Unit came to Dagenham in November,
1956, and this year special emphasis was placed on the
radiological examination of old people in the area. Talks were
given and films shown at Old People's Clubs by members of the
Health Department to encourage them to attend.
The following analysis of the survey indicates the attendances
and results :
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