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infection was diagnosed very soon after it had been contracted. Although
the risk to the pupils and teaching staff was considered minimal, nevertheless,
a thorough investigation was carried out at the School. All the
teachers and children in certain classes were examined and the school
medical and nursing staff played a considerable part in this enquiry. I am
pleased to be able to report that no further cases were discovered.
At this point, I would like to take this opportunity and record my
appreciation and grateful thanks to Dr. Grenville Mathers and Dr.
Trenchard for their co-operation, help and advice, which has been given
so willingly at all times.
The Mass x-ray units offer a free chest x-ray to any person over the
age of 14 years. No appointment or medical note is required. Because the
service is so freely available, it attracts patients, who would otherwise not
"bother" their family doctor. It is amongst this section of the population
that the mass x-ray provides its widest preventative role and, in addition
to tuberculosis, a wide variety of other pathological conditions are
identified. Nevertheless, as with all mass screening techniques, a great
many examinations are carried out before an actual case of disease is
found. This is, of course, costly but is surely the price one has to pay for
preventive medicine. The question of cost effectiveness has been raised by
the Department of Health and Social Secretury and they advised all
regional hospital boards to review their arrangements. Consequently,
in July 1970, the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board
submitted plans, which would curtail the mass x-ray service and sought
the views of the Health and Welfare Committee. The Committee informed
the Regional Hospital Board that they strongly favoured the retention of
the existing service. In particular they wished to retain the mobile unit,
which, in addition to its preventive role, also made it easier for teachers
and others working in close contact with children, to have their routine
x-ray which had been requested by Government Departments.
The location of the mass x-ray units and the times they are available
are:-
Mobile Unit The Car Park, Grant Road,
Wealdstone.
2nd & 4th
Thursdays of
each month
10 a.m.12
noon
Static Unit Central Middlesex Hospital, Monday-Friday
Park Royal, N.W.10
9 a.m.5
p.m.
Saturdays
9 a.m.12
noon