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TUBERCULOSIS
There are three chest clinics serving the Borough, one for each
of the three constituent areas. All are based at Cumberland Hospital,
Mitcham.
The Chest Physicians reported that, while the number of new
cases of pulmonary tuberculosis remained much the same, lung cancer
constituted an increasing problem. The high number of cases of
bronchitis and emphysema presents serious difficulties which could
only be effectively alleviated if more housing were available.
They also reported a waiting list, for the first time, for beds in
Cumberland Hospital; due mainly, in their opinion, to respiratory
cripples who are kept alive by modern medical practice but require
repeated admission to hospital because of recurrent chest illness.
It was also reported that the general practitioner service of the
Mass X-Ray continues to be increasingly patronised.
The Authority employs one whole-time and two part-time Tuberculosis
Health Visitors, and one part-time Tuberculosis Visitor, who
work in close liaison with the Chest Physicians. In addition, for
dealing with social problems of in-patients and out-patients of Cumberland
Hospital, suffering both from tuberculosis and other diseases
of the chest, the Authority employs a Medical Social Worker.
DOMICILIARY VISITING
All households from which notifications have been received are
regularly visited. Intensive efforts are made to trace all contacts with
a known case of respiratory tuberculosis.
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