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8
Possibly one of the most interesting recent developments has
been the introduction of mass radiography and diagnosis of early
tuberculosis, and the provision of maintenance allowances to tuberculous
persons and tlheir dependents. In connection with mass
radiography I quote the following comments from the Annual
Report of one of the Tuberculosis Officers, Dr. Howell, of the
London Chest Hospital Tuberculosis Dispensary:—
"I drew attention in last year's report to the introduction
of mass radiography in the diagnosis of early tuberculosis,
but pointed out that owing to the shortage of X-ray machines,
none had been allocated locally. Since November, however, a
mass radiography unit has been functioning from a Centre in
the Borough of Hackney. Should a miniature film show some
abnormality a full-size film is taken and if this in turn suggests
tuberculosis, the case is referred to the Tuberculosis Officer for
further investigation and any necessary treatment. As yet
we have had few active cases, the majority being patients with
old healed lesions.
"If only a few early active cases are discovered in this
way I think it may be claimed that the expense and trouble are
justified. We are a little perturbed, however, by the case of
the nervous patient who has been told that the X-ray of his
chest is not quite normal and advised to attend the Tuberculosis
Dispensary for further investigation. The patient may
feel quite well, and tlhe lesion in the lung may be inactive and
will probably remain so, yet it is not always possible to give
an immediate assurance on this point. Further X-rays after
an interval of a month or more may be necessary. In the meantime
the patient is disturbed and anxious and even if given a
'clean bill' later is inclined to assume that he has been worried
unnecessarily.
"I have every sympathy with these patients, but in any
comprehensive scheme I am afraid such cases will inevitably
occur and must be regarded as unavoidable victims of mass
radiology."
Further information on this subject is given in the Report
and also as to another war-time extension of the tuberculosis service,
namely, tihe maintenance allowances paid during the year to
tuberculous persons and their dependents.
It is pleasing to be able to report an appreciable decrease in
the number of cases of scabies and verminous conditions requiring
treatment at the Cleansing Station, to which improvement the compulsory
powers for securing examination and treatment contained
in the Scabies Order, 1941, the introduction of compulsory notification
of scabies in 1943 and the extensive facilities for prompt and