View report page

TUBERCULOSIS
On 31st December 1959, there were on the register eight
hundred and ninety cases of Tuberculosis, of whom seven hundred
and eighty seven were Pulmonary and one hundred and three nonpulmonary.
In 1959 there were two deaths from Pulmonary Tuberculosis,
as against eight in 1958. The death rate was 0.025 per thousand
of population, as against 0.10 in 1958. There was one death from
non-pulmonary Tuberculosis, as against two in 1958. The death
rate was 0.01 per thousand of population, as against 0.025 in
1958. For England and Wales the death rate for Pulmonary
Tuberculosis was 0.08 per thousand of population and for nonpulmonary
Tuberculosis 0.01 per thousand of population.
The number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was forty
one, compared with thirty three new cases in 1958. Residual foci
of infection still persist, particularly among the middle aged
and elderly, and intensive search will be necessary to eliminate
the disease. The use of B. C. G. vaccine in adolescent children
gives a high measure of protection. Six hundred and twenty two
children received injections in 1959, and thirty nine children
were found to be Mantoux positive (5.9 per cent). The response
rate was 71 per cent.
Four new cases of non-pulmonary Tuberculosis were notified
in 1959, the same as in 1958.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee changed its name to the
Sutton and Cheam Tuberculosis and Chest Care Committee during the
year. This was necessary because the work of this valuable
organisation was extended to promoting the well being and reablement
of non tuberculous chest conditions in addition to their
well established help to patients suffering from tuberculosis.
The Committee provides additional nourishment, clothing and
bedding. Grants are made to provide occupational therapy.
Holidays are arranged for children, mothers and convalescent
patients. The voluntary services of the members are highly
appreciated. At the very end of the year the Committee learned
that Mr. F.J. Stevens, A.M.I.A., Tuberculosis Almoner of Sutton
Chest Clinic, would be leaving early next year to take up a new
post. He will be badly missed, but takes with him the good wishes
of the Committee. The Hon. Secretary is County Alderman Mrs.
Margaret Walkden, 0. B. E., J. P., 9 All Saints Road, Sutton.
The following table shows the new cases and deaths in age
groups:-
51