View report page

Ascertainment of tuberculosis In expectant mothers
At present, expectant mothers are X-rayed by the Mass Radiography Unit.
Any cases arising from this are dealt with at the Clinic.
Local Authority B.C.G. Scheme for School Leavers
The Mass X-ray Unit continues to assist the Local Authority in the detection
of possible cases of tuberoulosis indicated by tuberculin positivity.
Work of the Tuberculosis Health Visitors

The four Health Visitors deal with the many social and domestic problems which
are involved in all oases of tuberculosis to a greater or lesser degree. The combined
function as Health Visitor and Social Worker has done much to gain the confidence and
co-operation of the patient both with the medical treatment and the after-care advised
for his special needs.
The Health Visitors work in close liaison with the Tuberoulosis Voluntary Aftercare
Committee. Their knowledge of the families under their care has proved of great
value to the Committee in making decisions on the cases presented to them.
West Ham Tuberoulosis Voluntary After-Care Committee
This Committee gives much help in meeting the need for assistance required by
families of patients in hospital, and for extra nourishment, clothing or bedding for
patients living at home.
The people of West Ham are deeply indebted to the members of the Voluntary AfterCare
Committee for the attention which they have given consistently over the years to the
needs of patients suffering from tuberculosis, and the problems of their families.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The work undertaken by the Occupation Therapy section of the Department was
described in some detail in the Annual Report for 1957. Little more needs to be added
at this stage, beyond the fact that the value of this work was more than amply Justified
during the present year.
Although a certain amount of the therapist's time was spent on diversional
activities with patients in their own homes, increasing attention was given to remedial
occupations which can play such a valuable part in the rehabilitation of the whole patient.
It is in this context that the value of group therapy became increasingly apparent
and the need for an Occupational Therapy Centre was clearly established.
Convalescence
In accordance with Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, convalescence
not involving medical treatment continued to be made available for West Ham patients
recommended by general practitioners and hospital authorities. Convalescence was arranged
for 89 adults.
75