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A mother was admitted to Hospital with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Routine check-up on her family revealed that her two
children were suffering from primary lung Tuberculosis and both
were sent to Black Notley Hospital.
Lung Tuberculosis was found in a Clinic patient and he was
admitted to Harts Hospital. Seven months later, active tuberculosis
disease was discovered in his son's chest.
Finally, one patient, examined as a contact to his wife, who died
of Tuberculosis, did not keep under Clinic supervision. He was
admitted as an emergency case with extensive Tuberculous disease
four years later.
These cases all illustrate the value of continuous contact examination,
dull and routine though it may be. They also emphasise the fact that
one negative check-up is not sufficient, the disease can develop months,
even years, later.
The Wanstead and Woodford Tuberculosis Care Association is a very
active Organisation, which fully recognises the changing aspects of
Tuberculosis and diseases of the chest. At their Annual General Meeting
in 1963, it was agreed that in future, financial aid and assistance would
be given to all cases of chest disease in need of help who attended the
Wanstead and Woodford Chest Clinic. As a result of this important
change of policy, the Association has now altered its name to that of the
Chest Care Association.
In the field of thoracic surgery, there is a very close link between the
Clinic and the Thoracic Department of the London Hospital, where
patients are quickly admitted for treatment.
Finally, a very real liaison exists between the Medical Officer of
Health and his Department, the School Health Medical Service, the
Housing Department and the Chest Clinic, which results in our patients
getting maximum help at a time when they require it most.
Miss R. Harrington, Honorary Secretary to the Wanstead and Woodford
Care Association has informed me that 51 individual patients have
received help during the year which included extra nourishment
vouchers, payment of debts, fares to enable relatives to visit patients in
hospital, contribution towards cost of holiday' for patient and family,
provision of transport to Victoria Station for convalescent patient,
provision of a room heater, and Christmas Gifts.
The year was quite a success financially. The Christmas Seals receipts
were £20 more than the previous year. The social activities included
Dances, Whist Drives, Coffee Mornings, Jumble Sales and Carol Singing,
which were all very successful in raising money. Total expenditure on
grants during the year was £324 17s. 7d. and excess of income over
expenditure was £180 16s. 5d.
Because of the improved financial position, it was decided at the
Annual General Meeting, held in November, to change the name of the
Association to "The Wanstead and Woodford Chest Care Association",
to widen the field of activities to include the care of patients suffering
from Chest Diseases other than Tuberculosis.
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