Scot Med J
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This retrospective observational study aimed to assess factors affecting acute referral and subsequent admission to hospital by general practitioners. Data concerning 2,303 consecutive acute referrals to hospital from all GPs in a defined study area were collected over one month. ⋯ A telephone call accompanying referral dramatically increased the chance of hospital admission (p < 0.001). Referral to hospital was more likely the more socially deprived the patient (p < 0.001) but had no subsequent bearing on admission.
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The history of artificial ventilation and the development of the iron lung in the USA by Drinker and his colleagues is discussed. The building and use of an iron lung by Dr R G Henderson in Aberdeen in 1933 is described. The development of other types of ventilator in the UK is recorded and the circumstances whereby positive pressure ventilation was introduced in Denmark in 1952 is outlined.