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150
I should like to take this opportunity of conveying my
appreciation of the co-operation of the Director of the Unit
(Dr. Lawless) and his staff.
As a result of the visit of the Mass X-ray Unit in April, 1953,
a member of the teaching staff of a local Primary School was found
to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, and it was considered
advisable that all children at the school should be tested to find out
whether any of them had been infected.
The parents of all children attending the school were invited
to a meeting for the purpose of having the test explained to them.
Dr. Ethel Emslie, Assistant County Medical Officer—who, in April,
1952, obtained the special approval of the Ministry of Health to the
carrying out of a scheme for the protection of Leyton children
against tuberculosis by the administration of B.C.G. vaccine—
addressed the 100 parents who accepted the invitation to attend
the meeting. Consent forms for the skin test were then issued to all
parents ; and, as a result, 181 children were tested. In five cases
the parents of the children refused to take advantage of the offer.
Of the 181 children tested, 172 (95.03 per cent.) were found to be
Mantoux negative, and nine (4.97 per cent.) Mantoux positive.
The nine " positive " children were therefore subjected to special
clinical and X-ray examination by the Chest Physician. The X-ray
of one child showed a suspicious shadow and, as there was some
slight rise in evening temperature, admission to sanatorium for
observation was offered, but declined by the parents. The eight
remaining cases—with the exception of one who was doubtful—
had normal X-rays, and showed no abnormal physical signs.
They continue to be under the care of the Chest Physician.
It is pleasing to be able to record the parents' interest and
understanding of the necessity for these tests, which is proved by the
low figure of 2.6 per cent, refusals.