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In view of the interest always taken in tuberculosis, it is pleasing
to be able to refer to a comment in the Ministry of Health's Annual Report
for 1955,wherein it is stated that a striking decline in the number of
cases and deaths has taken place within the past six years, which justifies
a hope that continued efforts should see the end of tuberculosis as
an important health problem in the not too distant future.
The figures for Stepney show that deaths have steadily declined from
50 in 1952 to 17 in 1956, and although the decline in notifications of
pulmonary tuberculosis has not been so regular the numbers have fallen
from 173 in 1951 to 116 this year.
Public Health (Prevention of Tuberculosis) Regulations. 1925 .
These regulations provide that persons suffering from tuberculosis
of the respiratory tract shall not be employed in the handling of milk or
milk receptacles. Power is given to the Council to cause such persons
to discontinue their employment. It was not found necessary during the
year to take action under the regulations.
Tuberculosis Care Committee.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee, on which are represented voluntary
and official bodies, and whose meetings are attended by the Medical Officer
of Health, continues to supply help to tuberculous persons and to their
relatives who require assistance which cannot be obtained from official
sources, or where urgency or special circumstances indicate that the.
voluntary sources of the Care Committee are preferable.
Although tuberculosis is slowly but surely being conquered, the
public should realise that much help is still needed to be given to
persons suffering from the disease.
Extra nourishment was given to 205 patients in the year through the
London County Council Extra Nourishment Scheme, and 48 patients went for
recuperative convalescent holidays.
Help was also given during the year to 118 persons by way of clothing,
extra nourishment, bedding, holiday expenses, fuel, wireless licences and
fares to relatives visiting patients in sanatoria. The annual Christmas
Seal Sale Fund amounted to £244, and this was supplemented by donations
from various organisations, for which the Care Committee is most grateful.
Where possible, grants were obtained from statutory and voluntary funds,
those of the Committee being used only where such could not be obtained.
The London County Council last year appointed an Occupational
Therapist to visit homebound patients to teach them handicraft work, the
Care Committee paying for most of the materials and tools, and helping
with the sale of the articles made.
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