Report of the Commission of Public Health to the Minister of Public Health / Department of Public Health, Victoria.

  • Victoria. Commission of Public Health
Date:
[1976]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Report of the Commission of Public Health to the Minister of Public Health / Department of Public Health, Victoria. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/48 page 12
    Bureaux and Clinics. The policy to rationalise the prolonged surveillance of certain groups at chest clinics has continued, and a further drop is recorded in attendances—52,893 in 1975 compared with 56,848 during 1974. Routine B.C.G. vaccination of aboriginal children as early in life as possible is proceeding throughout the rural areas of the State. The Prahran Chest Clinic now serves a population of approximately 465,000. There were 9,864 attendances during the year including 1,482 at public X-ray sessions. Sixteen new cases were reported, three with reactivated tuberculosis. In addition there were a further 26 notifica¬ tions and three reactivations from other sources in the area. Mass X-ray Surveys were conducted in only a part of this area during the year. The estimated population served by the Northern Suburbs Chest Clinic is 494,500. Attend¬ ances recorded were 14,397 including 2,373 at public X-ray sessions. 21 new cases were discovered and five with reactivations. In addition there were 31 new notifications from other sources in the area. No mass X-ray surveys were conducted through the area during 1974. The country bureaux at Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong continue satisfactorily. The attend¬ ances at Ballarat were recorded at 2,662 during the year, and 5 new active cases of tuberculosis were discovered. At Bendigo attendances were slightly less, 1,460. Twelve new notifications of active tuberculosis and two new reactivations were reported from the Northern Health Area. At Geelong, there were 6,382 attendances recorded, including 2,712 at public sessions. Sixteen active cases of tuberculosis were discovered. Outpatient clinics are also conducted in association with the treatment centres at seven other Base Hospitals and special clinics conducted by Department Medical Officers continue periodically at Traralgon, Moe, Wonthaggi, Swan Hill and Robinvale. Five hundred and twenty-two persons attended these clinics. Appreciation is extended to all the part-time medical practitioners who accept responsi¬ bility for tuberculosis control and care of patients in these country areas. Visiting Sisters. The liaison work carried out between patients and medical officers by the Visiting Nurses continues as one of the most important aspects of the Victorian Tuberculosis Service, both in the country and city areas. The routine of contact survey work and seeking out and persuading those reluctant to attend for medical review are ever necessary. The Visiting Sisters continue to take increasing responsibility in patient supervision, especially for patients taking chemotherapy. With an increasing proportion of patients with active tuberculosis being reported from private practitioners and public hospitals the Visiting Sister at times is the only direct contact the Branch has with these patients to bring to attention facilities or benefits available to them through Department resources, such as supply of drugs, contact surveillance, etc. Social Work. The activities of the Social Worker this year followed a similar pattern to 1974, the help given involving 226 new patients and 84 old patients, most of them requiring continuing support. Financial assistance continues to be the greatest problem, and appreciation is acknowledged for the help received from the Commonwealth Department of Social Security and the Victorian Tuberculosis Association. Placement problems for elderly patients on discharge from Heatherton Sanatorium have increased as long waiting lists are general for these types of homes. The numbers of “ Homeless Alcoholics ” have increased causing more problems during and after sanatorium care. Staff of the Gill Memorial and Gordon House have been very co-operative with their assistance to this group of unfortunate people. Support has also been arranged through Municipal Councils in areas involving “ Meals on Wheels ” and “ Home Help ”. The Housing Commission has again given assistance to cases referred to them on a priority basis. Two single pensioners without accommodation on discharge from Heatherton were given flats and a family on a low income in crowded accommodation and creating social problems was assisted. There have been more children admitted to Heatherton Sanatorium for treatment this year and continuing formal education has been arranged through the Education Department Correspondence School for those of school age. Amongst these were several child evacuees from Timor, as well as other children of non-English speaking families. Through the aid of the school teacher and the English classes for migrants at Heatherton all those children have adapted themselves easily to their new environment and rapidly learnt basic English. As usual, the Tuberculosis Branch has been most fortunate in having the continued support of friends of long standing and our appreciation and special thanks are expressed to the Victorian Tuberculosis Association, the “ Herald ” Toy Fund, and the Wool-workers Section of the Camberwell Country Womens Association. Appreciation is also extended to those who have given clothing and other goods.
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