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42
Cases on Register: The number of cases of tuberculosis on the
register at the end of the year was as follows: —
Respiratory:
Males 547
Females 468
Non-Respiratory:
Males 49
Females 30
Total 1,094
Romford Chest Clinic.
I am indebted to Dr. S. Thompson, the Consultant Chest Physician,
for the following notes: —
"During the year 1959 the incidence of tuberculosis has again fallen
and also the death rate, though the numbers on the register continue
to rise owing to transfers into the area which were actually higher than
the new notified local cases. In addition, owing to the decreased death
rate, more cases are obviously retained on the register for general
supervision.
It has been found possible to close further institutional beds during
the year and the local cases, both male and female, are largely
accommodated at Broomfield Hospital and Dagenham Chest Hospital,
whilst the Children's Unit at High Wood Hospital. Brentwood, has been
transferred to Black Notley Hospital.
Owing to the good results obtained by B.C.G. vaccination, the
scheme is being extended and all these cases are followed up at prescribed
intervals, so that the more severe forms of the disease, such as tuberculous
meningitis and miliary tuberculosis, are very rare.
Large numbers of cases with abnormal chest X-rays continue to
be referred for investigation from the Mass Radiography Units and these
are followed up for as long as they are willing to attend for this purpose.
Contact examinations also are tending to increase, and as a result
of all this work it was found necessary to ask for the appointment of an
additional full-time Health Visitor to which the County Council agreed,
and she commenced her duties towards the end of the year."
Mass Radiography Unit—Clinical Evaluation.
Six cases of active Tuberculosis were ascertained.
Five cases of Bronchial Carcinoma were detected.
Although the number of photographs taken ran into several
thousands (8,508) it is clear that a significant result was obtained.