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losis to decline in incidence during the last five years. Deaths
from the disease have diminished, probably owing to the use
of new drugs, in particular, streptomycin, which has helped
considerably in treatment.
There is still a shortage of beds for male patients, but the
position has improved. In the case of female patients it has
usually been possible to arrange admission of urgent cases
without undue delay. A good many patients are treated in
the tuberculosis wards of Edgware General Hospital and
Hendon Isolation Hospital where 28 and 10 beds respectively
are under the charge of the Clinic Physician. Admissions are
also arranged through the waiting list of The Regional Hospital
Board to the regional chest hospitals, particularly Colindale
and Clare Hall Hospitals.
During 1951 a more satisfactory appointments system has
been introduced, and every effort continues to be made to
ensure that the waiting time at the clinic is kept to a minimum.
In the later half of the year, the shortage of X-ray films,
which is general throughout the Country, hampered the work
of the Clinic, as an X-ray is so important in the diagnosis and
treatment of chest conditions.
In November the Ministry of Health provided on loan an
Odelca Camera Unit which enables a smaller sized film to be
used. Trial and it is hoped that, by its means, the difficulties of the X-ray
film shortage may be overcome. At the same time, the new
apparatus may lead to considerable financial economies."
SECTION C:
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
FOR THE AREA.
Laboratory Facilities.
These are provided at the Central Public Health Laboratory
at Colindale.
I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of the
Laboratory who have co-operated whole-heartedly with the
Public Health Department.
A record of the work carried out on behalf of the Health
Department is given below:—
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