467. As in previous years, the main cause of rejection was pulmonary tuberculosis and, of all candidates examined, 13.04% were referred for investigation by the tuberculosis service. Of this number 7.57% were rejected on account of tuberculosis either active, quiescent or arrested; 0.95% had active tuberculosis, 2.7% had quiescent disease and 3.6% arrested lesions. Of those accepted eventually as fit but who had signs of healed pulmonary tuberculosis the percentage of the total candidates examined was 3.15%.
468. Of all candidates examined for the first time by the Board. 1.014 or 11.4% were rejected, the causes of rejection being as follows:
Diseases of the Respiratory System Diseases of the Circulatory System Diseases of the Alimentary System
Diseases of the Skeletal System
Diseases of the Genito-urinary System
Diseases of the Nervous Systern
Diseases of the Endocrine System Diseases of the Eyc Miscellaneous Diseases
Total
830
53
27
3
17
10
22
19
33
1014
469. The Board continued to examine employees found to be redundant in the service of H.M. Dockyard, the War Departinent and the R.A.F. with a view to their absorption into employment with Government. Towards the end of 1958 a special survey was made of Dockyard Clerical Staff as it is intended that all such staff should be guaranteed employment in the General Clerical Service of Government. By agreement with the Naval authorities an X-ray survey was made so that treatment could be started for any cases of active tuberculosis discovered. Of 164 persons X-rayed, 46 (28%) who had radiological abnormalities were referred to the Tuberculosis Service for further investigation; of those referred 6.06% had pulmonary tuberculosis requiring active treatment.
470. The Board also undertakes the preventive inoculation of can- didates accepted for appointment to posts which may carry certain health risks, for example nurses and menial staff in the Medical and Health Department. Tuberculin testing and vaccination. T.A.B. prophylactic inoculations and Schick testing are carried out routinely on these employees.
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BLOOD BANKS
471. The Hong Kong Branch of the British Red Cross Society main- tains a donation centre in premises on the Hong Kong water front and this aspect of the Society's work is supported by a subvention from Government. Propaganda and the collection and distribution of blood is carried out by the Society and altogether 3.309 pints of blood were collected through the Red Cross. The laboratory work is undertaken by the Government Institute of Pathology.
472. The two Blood Banks are situated at the Queen Mary and Kowloon Hospitals. Blood comes from the Red Cross Donation Centre direct to these Banks and is then distributed to the wards and to other hospitals as required. In addition, where a patient has received a trans- fusion in the Government Hospitals the relatives and friends are asked to make a direct contribution to the Blood Bank to replace the blood used but only 29.6% of the blood received was collected in this way.
473. A total of 5.283 pints of blood was taken into the two Blood Banks during the year the greater part of which came from the Armed Services in the Colony. The crews of H.M. ships and of U.S. Navy ships visiting the Colony also made a significant contribution towards the total. 474. There is an increasing band of voluntary Chinese donors largely due to the enthusiastic efforts of Mr. Wilfred Wong, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Branch of the British Red Cross Society. At a ceremony held in July 1958 the Director of Medical and Health Services presented certificates to members of this Donors Club, all of whom had given blood on five or more occasions.
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPLY
475. The Chief Hospital Secretary and his staff of four Hospital Secretaries and five Assistant Hospital Secretaries are responsible for the work of this branch of the Department. The responsibilities include assistance with the planning of the services, the equipment and the supplies for new institutions, the supply and maintenance of medical and surgical equipment and furniture to existing hospitals and clinics, the recruitment and discipline of the male menial staff, the supply of rations, fuel and the accounting for hospital stores, the running of depart- mental transport, the maintenance of libraries and of stationery stores, fire precautions and the initiation of maintenance of and repairs to fabric and buildings. Staff welfare is also an important activity and the Chief
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