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The number of X-Ray examinations made was 1,721. 623 specimens of sputum
were examined, of which 75 were positive.
Additional nourishment was granted in 106 instances. Six patients received
dental treatment under the Council's scheme. 417 patients were admitted to
hospital, sanatoria or training colonies.
The work of the artificial pneumothorax clinic was continued without interrup- •
tion, although damage to St. Nicholas Hospital necessitated the removal of the
clinic to Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich, during the latter half of the year. The
following is an excerpt from the report of Dr. A. Wingfield, the Consultant-in
charge of the clinic.
" 58 patients made a total of 871 attendances in 52 sessions, an average
attendance of 16.5 per session. These figures do not, however, give a complete
picture of the work carried out at the clinic as sessional attendances varied
from a maximum of 24 to a minimum of 11 ; some patients received bilateral
refills, and in some cases aspiration of fluid and washing out of the pleural
cavity were necessary. These last two manipulations consumed much more
time than an uncomplicated refill. As in previous years chest X-Rays were
taken every three months, or more often if considered necessary, and blood
sedimentation rate tests at about the same intervals. Patients were examined
on the fluorographic screen at each attendance. During the year, 21 new
patients attended and at the end of the year there were 42 patients on the
books of the clinic."
Clinics at other London hospitals were attended by 36 patients who received
740 refills.
The mass radiography unit allocated by the Government to the London County
Council was set up in the Plumstead Baths in February and March for a period of six
weeks. Employers were asked to make known to employees the facilities thus
available and to submit numbers of employees, up to a certain allocation, wishing to
be X-Rayed. Arrangements were then made for parties to visit the unit. The
response was gratifying and the unit worked to capacity.
The following is a summary of examinations carried out :—

The scheme for the payment of maintenance allowances as described in the
Annual Report for 1943 continued working smoothly during 1944. At the end of
the year, 93 patients were in receipt of such allowances.