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32
TUBERCULOSIS AFTER-CARE
The year 1958 has been another busy one in tuberculosis
after-care, for this is still a long term illness in spite of
the fact that it is now much less serious. The majority of the
patients need considerable help to weather the financial difficulties
and many need help in adjusting themselves to their illness
and later in adjusting themselves to work again, especially
when a complete change of employment is required. Special
grants are available through the National Assistance Board to
ease the financial burden and the Ministry of Labour provides an
Industrial Rehabilitation Dnit and Training Centre for those who
require new light jobs.
In spite of help through Statutory bodies, there is always
room for voluntary effort by Fbrces Benevolent Funds and other
charitable sources, but most of all through the local Tuberculosis
Care Committee, which is able to give help beyond the scope
of all other sources. For example 170 families received a
Christmas grocery parcel bought from voluntary funds and packed
and distributed by voluntary effort; 20 children were taken to
the local pantomime at the Care Committee's expense and about 72
families received 2-cwts. of coal each. In addition, money has
been spent on clothing, shoes and bedding and in fares for
visiting patients receiving treatment in sanatoria out of the
area. We were also able to give 17 people a holiday, the first
for many years. Altogether, £450 was spent on supplementing
official provision for the welfare of patients.
The total amount raised by voluntary effort was £617, £425
being our share in the Christmas Seal Sale sponsored by N. A.P.T.
Total expenditure was £588. 17.lid.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
At the beginning of the year there were 23 patients, 5 of
whom were attending the weekly class; hy the end of the year the
total number of patients had increased to 28, 8 of these were
attending the class and the remainder being visited at home in
three 3-hourly sessions weekly. Approximately 10 patients were
visited each week and this average should now increase as since
November a car has been provided for all three sessions instead
of only two out of three.