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It is becoming more and more obvious that the number of
cases of tuberculosis appearing on the official register is specifically
influenced by the nature of our Borough. Apart from indigenous
cases which arise in residents, there can be little doubt that patients,
either in the mild early stages of the disease or after recovery,
move to Southgate when accommodation is available. This is
something which we must recognise, and which a residential area
such as Southgate must be prepared to accept. Indeed, it is a
frank testimonial to the reputation which Southgate has acquired
over the years.
During 1952, Mass X-ray Unit No. 5B visited Southgate for
the purpose of examining the staff of the Eastern Electricity Board.
During this visit, opportunity was taken to invite local organisations
to take advantage of the facilities offered. At the same time,
I wrote to general practitioners in the district, informing them of
the Unit's visit and inviting them to send any of their patients
along for a miniature X-ray. I also issued a general invitation to
the staff at the Town Hall, and through the courtesy of the editors
concerned, had a brief article inserted in each of the local newspapers.
So far as housing is concerned, we keep in very close touch
with the Finchley Chest Clinic, which deals with patients from
Southgate. Any cases which the Chest Clinic wishes to draw to
the attention of the Housing Section receive immediate and
adequate attention. I am still convinced that good housing presents
the most hopeful and permanent solution to the problem of tuberculosis.
I should like to express my gratitude to the Housing
Committee and to the officers of the Housing Section for their
unfailing courtesy and willingness to consider all the evidence set
before them. Even in the present difficult circumstances, it is
obvious that the Housing Section is making a substantial contribution
to this problem.
During 1952, the Ministry of Health notified us that certain
changes would be made in the registration of cases of tuberculosis.
Broadly speaking, the official register is now being maintained by
the appropriate Chest Clinics, although the Minister stated that he
hoped an unofficial register would continue to be kept by local
authorities. We have done this, so that we may know at any given
time what is happening in the Borough.
Our Sanitary Inspectors continue to visit cases of tuberculosis,
not for the purpose of making unnecessary enquiries, but in order
o ascertain whether there is any way in which the Public Health
Department can be of assistance. Occasionally, we are told by the
Chest Clinic that a patient does not wish us to visit. In such
circumstances, we have due regard to the patient's wishes.
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