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31
TUBERCULOSIS AFTER-CARE
I am indebted to Miss G. Bridger, Almoner of the Chest
Clinic, for the following reports:—
During 1953 the After Care Scheme continued on the same lines as in previous years,
major requirements being met by calling upon statutory provisions, and extra comforts being
met where possible from voluntary sources.
Financial help continues to be given by the National Assistance Board to supplement
Assistance at the special tuberculosis treatment rate, 52 of whom were in hospital and 131 at
home. By 31.12.53, 191 were receiving such benefits, of whom 49 were in hospital and
142 at home. We have worked in close touch with the local officers of the N.A.B.. and
special grants have been given by them in individual cases to meet such needs as extra
clothing and removal expenses where the patient had to be rehoused.
Voluntary societies have been very generous in answering appeals for additional help.
Over £350 was raised from the various organisations, such as regimental funds, trade
benevolent funds, private trusts and specialised agencies. With this help we were able to
meet some unexpected bills, pay off debts, provide extra comforts, and help with
occasional holiday in particularly hard cases. The grant made by the Sunday Cinemas
Fund, for the first time, was particularly valuable in placing a small sum of ready mono
at our disposal to cover any urgent need which might arise. This was particularly useful for
fares for relatives to visit patients in distant hospitals, and for fares to enable a person to
stay with friends in the country for a change. Voluntary sources were also very helpful in
providing help in kind, such as grocery vouchers and clothing.
The Local Authority continued to make provision in kind for free milk, where more
than one patient in the household was ill, for the loan of beds and bedding to prevent the
spread of infection, the colonisation of patients at village settlements where suitable, and
the provision of garden shelters. Home Helps were supplied where necessary, and
arrangements made in conjunction with the Children's Department for the care of the
family where the mother was the patient.
In the field of rehabilitation. regular case conferences were held between the Chest
Physician, Disabled Resettlement Officer and myself, to consolidate the day-to-day contact
on patients and the problems which arise when they are fit for work. Wherever possible,
suitable alternative work has been found, sometimes after a period of training or at an
industrial rehabilitation unit.
Arising out of these activities, 308 visits have been paid to patients, either in hospital
or in their own homes, in addition to attendance at every clinic session.
Report on Home Industry Scheme.
In April. 1953, Miss J. Higinbotham took over as part-time occupational therapist,
and some alterations were made in the scheme. In addition to regular weekly classes for
those fit enough to attend, a session once a fortnight was devoted to visiting patients in
their own homes. This has proved a very popular development, as it enabled the homebound
to take up a worthwhile hobby, and to pass the time agreeably. By the end of the
year, there were twelve home-bound patients on the register and the number is growing,
limited only by the fact that it is not possible to visit and instruct more than four patienits
in one afternoon. These patients arc able to join the classes at the clinic as soon as they
are well enough to travel alone.
At the end of the year there were thirty patients on the register for the clinic classes,
and the average attendance per class was about six on any one afternoon. These stay for
instruction in crafts which are unfamiliar to them, but many more call to obtain materials
or advice.
During the year, over £35 was paid in for materials by patients.