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There is a significant increase in the number of new cases of
syphilis and gonorrhoea notified by the hospital clinic. This is in accordance
with a national and indeed international trend. Venereal diseases are
extremely resistant to control and there is a pressing need to inform all
sections of the public about these diseases and their dangers. Careful
consideration needs to be given to the desirability of introducing information
of this sort into routine health education carried out in schools and to
extending this activity into youth clubs and other organisations.
Publicity is given to the availability and times of treatment
clinics in the press and by display poster. It is, however, a matter of
individual responsibility on the part of persons who have been exposed to
the possibility of infection to avail themselves of the facilities which are
available for the detection and treatment of these diseases.
MASS RADIOGRAPHY
The Mass Radiography Unit visited sites in the Borough during the
year and I am indebted to the Director of the Unit for the following statistics s-
Total x-rayed 6,930
Males 3,630
Females 3>300
As a result of these investigations one man was found to be suffering
from pulmonary tuberculosis and two men from cancer of the lung.
Following notification of pulmonary tuberculosis in an employee,
the Unit visited two premises at my request to give the opportunity of chest
x-ray to all persons working there. In addition the Unit regularly visits factories
and other places where numbers of persons are employed.
IMMIGRATION
Under the Commonwealth Immigration Act, 1962, long stay immigrants
are required to supply immigration officers with their destination address.
This is forwarded to the Medical Officer of Health of the appropriate area
and a visit is paid by a member of his staff. This is a useful procedure which
enables contact to be made with the newly-arrived immigrant at an early stage.
Health aspects of immigration are two-fold. The immigrant may be suffering
from ill health which requires treatment and action to prevent the possible spread
of infection or he may be exposed to infection in this country against which he has
little or no immunity,, Many immigrants to the Borough are employed in local
hospitals. Those who are not are advised by the health visitors of the facilities
available under the National Health Service and encouraged to register with a
general practitioner. Where there are families appropriate arrangements are made
for their protection against infectious disease and the mothers and children
receive the normal health supervision available to the community as a whole.
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