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63
" The figures of main interest are set out below. They
refer, of course, to the combined attendances of Walthamstow and
Chingford patients.
Total Attendances 15,892
" New Cases 5,548
X-rays 13,101
" Screening 196
Miniature Camera 3,678
New Notifications 65
(Walthamstow only)
"The figures generally are rather less for 1959 than for
1958. The weather was excellent over long periods of the year
and this does reduce the numbers of those suffering from
respiratory symptoms.
" The number of patients screened is seen to be considerably
less and reflects the almost complete abandonment of collapse
therapy in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
"The number of new notifications in the area has risen
slightly and this again is a reminder that the disease is by no
means eradicated and that much work in case finding and
supervision generally still has to be undertaken.
"Lung cancer has also risen and is the highest in recent
years; a total of sixty cases was diagnosed, ten more than
last year."
WALTHAMSTOW AND CHINGFORD ASSOCIATION OF TUBERCULOSIS
CARE HELPERS.
Miss V. Jennings, Honorary Secretary of the Walthamstow and
Chingford Association of Tuberculosis Care Helpers, contributes
the following report:-
"During the past twelve months there has been little change
in the type of case we have been called upon to deal with. The
middle-aged are still in the majority, but the younger families
also require a good deal of assistance during the comparatively
short period of treatment and rehabilitation.
'The grocery voucher continues to be the most useful means
of giving regular help to a family, and has proved its value
over a period of many years. Milk vouchers are now rarely
issued, since the County Council's own scheme meets most
requirements in this direction. There has, however, been a
continuing need for help with clothing, particularly for male
patients who have undergone a period of treatment, and are ready
to return to work, and for the wives of patients who have been
off work for long periods.