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4
Another enemy is also losing his grip in the face of the relentless
hammering of the preventive health services, namely, Tuberculosis.
Whilst the number of notifications are not getting less, the number
of deaths are dropping in a dramatic manner.
In 1949 there were 70 deaths, 1950 there were 48 deaths,
and in 1951 there were only 30 deaths.
There are a number of factors to account for this, but credit
must certainly in the main be given to the Mass X-ray scheme
which is finding so many early cases in the treatable stage. The
introduction of B.C.G. in an experimental form in Ealing may play
a big part in the future attack on this dread disease and in conjunction
with the new drugs that are being developed for the treatment
of the disease. We may hope to see a position arising in the
foreseeable future, not dissimilar to that at present found with
Diphtheria.
A report on the school health service has been included for
information since your school administration is dealt with by the
Ealing Divisional Executive Committee. A full report on the
developments in regard to your food hygiene scheme is also covered.
The steady progress in connection with this is giving us cause tor
much satisfaction. We were prepared for this to be a long term
policy, and it is gratifying to find that our plans are bearing fruit.
May I again place on record my appreciation of the services of
the staff, who have worked in a most loyal and conscientious
manner.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
W. G. BOOTH,
Medical Officer of Health.