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(d) B.C.G. Vaccination.
Vaccination of susceptible contacts of known cases of tuberculosis has been
continued. During the year 235 children were given B.C.G. Vaccine as compared with
156 in 1953.
The age distribution in years of the children is as set out on page 40.
(e) Rehabilitation and Employment of Known Cases of Tuberculosis.
(1) Every effort is made in co-operation with the Disablement Resettlement
Officer to place quiescent and suitable chronic sputum-positive cases in appropriate
employment to ensure that both the work and the conditions will be compatible with their
own health and that of their fellow employees. The risk to others is minimised as far as
possible by training in precautionary measures, especially in the chronic sputum-positive
cases. Seventy cases were so referred during the year, an appreciable increase on the
previous year's figure of 40. It is considered that part of the increase is due to the
discovery of cases at an earlier stage of the disease than formerly, and with suitable
modern methods of treatment an earlier return to employment is now frequently possible.
At the beginning of the year, three West Ham patients (1 male and 2 females) for
whom the Council had previously accepted financial responsibility were still undergoing
rehabilitation and training at Papworth Village Settlement. Two of these (1 male and 1
female) were discharged home during the year.
Financial responsibility was also accepted for one male tuberculous patient to
receive rehabilitation and training at the British Legion Village at Preston Hall.
Following his admission to this institution in January, he was discharged in May.
(11) Workshop Facilities for the Tuberculosis. The importance of sheltered
employment in the rehabilitation of tuberculous patients has long been recognised; and
informal exploratory discussions were in progress with neighbouring authorities towards the
end of the year to determine the feasibility of adopting a suitable scheme on a regional
basis.
(l1l) Occupational Therapy for Tuberculous Patients. It became increasingly obvious
during the course of the year that many of the bedridden and chronic tuberculous cases were
in need of some form of suitable occupation or diversionary pursuit to stimulate their
interest during the slow process of rehabilitation. Following a small grant from voluntary
sources the Tuberculosis Health Visitors obtained some weaving and embroidery materials and
started some 25 persons on making simple and useful articles, giving such help and advice as
they were able. The proceeds from the sale of finished articles was devoted to the purchase
of further materials to develop the service.
The pleasure and benefit given to these patients during the short time since the
institutl6n of this service makes it abundantly clear that the appointment of a qualified
Occupational Therapist at a later date would do much to help in the mental and physical
rehabilitation and after-care of suitable cases.
(1v) Arrangements for Convalescence. Cases referred by Chest Physicians were sent for
convalescence before returning to work or following the completion of immediate treatment.
Arrangements were made in respect of 9 adults and 37 children.
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