View report page

113
PREVENTION OF ILLNESS — CARE AND AFTER-CARE
(Section 28)
TUBERCULOSIS
In the Annual Report for 1952, Dr. Ramsay referred to the
extension of B.C.G. vaccination in contacts, and the advantage of
an Odelca camera X-ray unit which had been added to the equipment
of the Chest Clinic.
During the course of the year, Dr. Ramsay addressed a letter
to all general practitioners in the Chest Clinic area (which includes
the whole of Walthamstow), drawing attention to this new diagnostic
aid, especially for the examination of persons with respiratory
symptoms. It was suggested that every case where there was the
slightest doubt as to a chest condition, especially the "chronic
bronchitic "should be referred for examination. Patients could be
referred by the general practitioner on Mondays, Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 9.15 a.m. Dr. Ramsay, in commenting on the work
of the Chest Clinic during 1953, writes as follows:—
"I do not think there is much one can say about the
Clinic activities for 1953. The routine has been the same as
last year.
"Some further information on the Odelca Camera Unit
and on B.C.G. might be interesting.
1. The work of the Odelca Camera Unit has shown a
steady increase since it was started in July, 1952. A
special request form has been devised which is sent
to the general practitioners in the area. It is of simple
design and is intended to make things easy for
patients to be referred to the Clinic for miniature
film. The response on the part of the local doctors
has been excellent and the numbers of new cases
referred for this examination are now of the order of
80 to 100 each week.
"2. B.C.G. routine has been continued and the total number
vaccinated is 48. Apparently the interest of the
public is maintained and it is very rare for anyone to
refuse the offer of vaccination.
"During the year Miss Ames, the Senior Tuberculosis
Visitor retired. She has given many years devoted service to
the Clinic and to the local population and I would like to place
on record my personal appreciation of her excellent work."
Tuberculosis Case Conferences.—Starting in June, periodic
case conferences have been held at the Chest Clinic, the participants