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

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Wanstead and Woodford 1960

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wanstead and Woodford]

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PREVENTION OF ILLNESS, CARE AND AFTER-CARE
The work under this section of the Act is mainly concerned with
Tuberculosis and I am indebted to Dr. H. Duff-Palmer, Consultant
Physician to the Wanstead and Woodford Chest Clinic at Harts
Hospital for the following report:-

"The work of the Chest Clinic continues to increase, as shown by the following statistics for 1959 and 1960:-

1959I960
Number of X-ray examinations38514034
New Cases Notified2931
New Contacts165222
Old Contacts751819
B.C.G. Vaccinations9097

The number of new cases of tuberculosis remains practically
constant. One case of routine investigation is of special interest. The
mother was referred by her Doctor for a chest X-ray, because he'
daughters had Erythema Nodosum, a manifestation of childhood
tuberculosis. The Mother was found to have pulmonary tuberculo is
and subsequently, the two daughters were investigated and found to
have primary lung tuberculosis: both were admitted to Black Notley
Hospital. They have all done well. This case illustrates the fact that
tuberculosis is a family disease and again shows the importance of
contact examination.
In November and December the clinic participated in a new
Influenza Vaccine Trial organised by the British Tuberculosis Association
and the Medical Research Council. This has entailed a
considerable amount of work, but it was felt that such a trial was
necessary and worthwhile. The cases chosen for protection and investigation
all suffered from varying degrees of chronic bronchitis,
as experience has shown that this group of patients is particularly
susceptible to the influenza virus and, in the past, the mortality return
has been heavy."
In my Annual Report for 1959 I referred to a separate Tuberculosis
Care Association being set up for the Wanstead and Woodford Area
alone and I am indebted to Mrs. M. L. Carter, Hon. Secretary of this
Association who has supplied me with the following information regarding
the cases assisted during the first full year's working:-
Total income for the year from the County Grant, Sunday Cinema
Fund, Sale of Christmas Seals, donations and various functions
organised by the Committee, £639.8s.7d.
During the year 63 cases have been assisted, involving an
expenditure of £553.16s.5d.
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