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All testing and vaccinating during 1960 under this scheme was carried out in Southall
by the Middlesex County Council staff.
Tuberculosis Vaccines Clinical Trial
In August, 1960, the Medical Research Council's Vaccines Trial was completed.
The final analysis seemed to show conclusively that B.C.G. vaccination confers a very
substantial protection against tuberculosis, and this protection persists for at least 7½
years after being given. Vaccination of school children should therefore contribute
very substantially to the reduction of tuberculosis in adolescents and young adults.
Mass X-ray
The mobile Mass X-ray Unit visited certain organised groups in Southall during
1960 and the following numbers were X-rayed:—
A.E.C 3,951
North Thames Gas Board 330
Quaker Oats Ltd. 754
Cramic Engineering Co. 448
Wimpey Depots 363
5,846
Four active cases and three observation cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were
discovered and two cases of lung cancer. No ex-school leavers were X-rayed in 1960.
There is now available at the West Middlesex Hospital a static Mass X-ray Unit,
the second to be introduced in Middlesex, and while primarily intended for the use of
hospital patients, there is an open invitation for any member of the public to attend at
any time when the Unit is working, for a check. This is a most useful undertaking
and supplements the work done during the visits of the Mobile Unit to Southall. It
also saves the need, in most cases, of reference by appointment to the Chest X-ray Clinic
for a large film to be taken.
Dr. J. T. Nicol Roe, Chest Physician, Uxbridge Chest Clinic, reports that,
in spite of the steady diminution of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, it still remains
a considerable public health problem which must continue to be attacked by all means
at our disposal. There is no doubt that treatment is best carried out in hospital, especially
in the early stages. The stay in hospital is less than was necessary some years ago. The
taking of anti-tuberculous drugs must continue for a few years and it is most important
that they are taken conscientiously.
Dr. Nicol Roe also states that the need for the X-ray and tuberculin testing in Indian
immigrants continues and urges that efforts should be made to encourage a visit to the
Chest Clinic by every new Indian resident in Southall. It is important also that those
found to be tuberculin negative should return for B.C.G. vaccination, and in support of
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