London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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East Ham 1934

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]

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83
In 63.6 per cent. of the new cases (and contacts), following
complete investigations, clinical, radiological and bacteriological,
no tuberculous disease was found, and they were (1) either free
from disease, or (2) suffering from a disease simulating, from the
point of view of clinical signs or symptoms, that of tuberculosis,
justifying the general practitioner and the Authority's medical
officers in making use of the services provided at the Clinic to
establish a diagnosis of contacts examined as a routine measure.

A ttendances and M edical E xaminations.

Total Attendances.Medical Examinations.
19282,3981,935
19293,1202,395
19303,7962,434
19313,4472,433
19323,8362,788
19334,0513,360
19344,0303,265

The years 1933 and 1934 show a very appreciable increase
in attendances, the bulk of which are for the purposes of examination.
This increase is likely to continue further with the advent
of the new Clinic, and the better conditions which will prevail.
Co-operation of General Practitioners in the Work of
the Clinic.
During 1934, 58.8 per cent. of new patients were sent with
letters from their doctors asking for a consultation. This cooperation
of the local practitioners is very much appreciated and
encouraged to the full, particularly in view of the ample opportunity
the practitioner has in his direct and intimate contact with
his patients in assisting us to detect the disease in the early and
curable stages.
The direct interest exhibited by certain practitioners in the
investigations of their patients, by their attendance at the consultation,
and their interest in the clinical and X-ray investigations
is a noteworthy sign, and their active desire to co-operate in the
specialised treatment of their cases by, e.g., insulin, tuberculin,
and gold therapy in selected cases, has a very valuable effect on
the psychological aspect of the patient. This inevitably reacts
more favourably on the patient's physical condition.