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41
Home Visiting
During the year 2,217 home visits were made by the tuberculosis
visitors attached to the clinics. Their work includes advice on the home
care of patients, the encouragement of known contacts to attend the
clinic for X-Ray and medical supervision and general advice on care and
after-care arrangements. They also act as clinic sisters at diagnostic and
treatment sessions in the Chest Clinics.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy in the home and in the clinic plays a part in
the rehabilitation of patients. The services of a therapist are available for
two sessions each week.
B.C.G. Vaccination
Vaccination against tuberculosis (B.C.G.) is offered to contacts of
known cases of tuberculosis, thirteen-year-old school children and
students of further education establishments. The numbers vaccinated
during the year 1966 were as follows:—
Contact Scheme 332
School Children and Students 1,681
The total number of persons on the tuberculosis register for the
district on 31st December, 1966 was 2,075 as compared with 2,174 on
31st December, 1965.
Advisory Clinic for the Elderly
The weekly advisory clinic for the elderly held at the Broadway
Clinic, Wealdstone, continued during the year, offering advice on personal
health problems, diet, accident prevention and Social Welfare. Any
patient found on examination to have a condition requiring attention is
referred, with a letter, to his own medical practitioner. Twenty new cases
were seen during the year. The total number on the register was 56 and
a total of 228 visits were made during the year. Problems of every
variety were discussed and appropriate advice given. Nine cases were
referred to their general practitioners.
Venereal Disease
Responsibility for the treatment of venereal disease is vested in the
Regional Hospital Boards and facilities are available at various hospitals
in the region—Central Middlesex and Hillingdon. Many of the London
teaching hospitals also offer treatment facilities. The special services
Medical Social Worker dealing with the care of the unsupported mother
and child, is also responsible for the follow-up of defaulters from the
venereal disease clinic at Central Middlesex Hospital and is also concerned
in contact tracing and assisting patients with their resulting social problems.