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111
The unemployment problem, causing increased poverty, continues
to be the chief difficulty confronting the Committee, and the housing
shortage is still a serious handicap, although some families in which
tuberculosis occurs have been rehoused by the Borough Council and the
London County Council during the year.
(xiii.) Particulars as to any local arrangements for finding employment
for patients.
No further facilities for finding employment exist beyond those
mentioned in previous Reports.
A few of our patients have been employed during the year at the
Spero Firewood Factory and at the Spero Leather Factory.
(xiv.) Statement as to the supply and. supervision of shelters at the homes
of patients.
Shelters are provided on loan by the Borough Council in cases
where there is suitable accommodation and the patient appears likely to
make proper use of them. 4 shelters were on loan on 31st December.
The Health Visitors have the general supervision of Shelters in their
own districts, report on their condition and ensure, as far as possible,
that they are put to proper use.
(xv.) Any special points noted locally as to the incidence of tuberculosis
(i.e., occupation).
No special occupational incidence has been noted.
(xvi.) Any special methods adopted or proposed for the prevention of
tuberculosis.
Where infective patients have to remain at home or are still in an
infective condition on discharge from sanatorium or hospital every effort
is made to see that these patients sleep in separate beds (and, if possible,
in separate rooms). Beds and bedding are supplied in some cases by the
Borough Council and in other cases (where the family is in receipt of relief)
by the Public Assistance Committee. Where home conditions are such
that the children are exposed to serious risk of infection application can
be made to the County Council for these children to be boarded out—
usually in the country—until these conditions can be improved.