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30
Tuberculosis.
During the year 107 new cases were notified and there were 29
deaths from the disease. This compares with 120 notifications and
35 deaths in 1949. This figure of 107 represents the lowest figure
recorded since 1940 and represents an advance which everyone hopes
will be continued. The mortality rate for tuberculosis in Hornchurch
of 0.27 per 1,000 of the population is lower than the national
figure and the figures for the great and smaller towns. It must not,
however, be forgotten that the 29 deaths caused by this disease still
places it among the most important of our killers and apart from the
fact that it strikes the young and working age groups of our population
it must also be appreciated that apart from the actual deaths it
causes an incapacity of varying degree lasting for years. Advances
in treatment appear undoubtedly to be very promising indeed
although no specific has yet clearly emerged. Preventive measures
by B.C.G. vaccination are also assuming increasing prominence
although in this regard it is a fact that the number of persons who
are suitable for this form of protection is necessarily limited. Housing
continues to play an important part in preventing the spread of
disease and the local picture in this matter is, I consider, reasonably
satisfactory. The menace of the chronic positive case is still real
but modern advances in treatment may well lessen the incidence of
such cases and hence minimise their influence as a communal
prejudice.
Tuberculosis is a vivid example of the multiplicity of control
which still exists even since the National Health Service Act has
become a working reality. The Local Health Authority, the
Regional Hospital Board and the Local Sanitary Authority all have
their part to play, but one feels that the problem would be none the
less effectively tackled if some reduction in the number of agencies
dealing with it could be effected.
The local Council is naturally concerned from the environmental
angle and especially from the housing viewpoint. Any case
of tuberculosis in which the housing circumstances are bad may be
assured of the fullest sympathetic consideration on our becoming
aware of them and there is no reason to believe that in fact the
housing aspect of tuberculosis is not being dealt with quite
adequately at the present time.
I think that due acknowledgment should be made of the assistance
which is afforded to us in this connection by Dr. S. Thompson,
the Local Chest Physician, and too great an emphasis could not be
placed upon the necessity for the closest association with the local
Chest Physician if the problem of housing the tuberculous is to
receive due attention.