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89
Cases of poverty or destitution are referred to the churches and
chapels, the Charity Organisation Society, the Distress Committee,
the Home of Service, the Leysian Mission, or the Relieving
Officer.
Very valuable help and extra nourishment are obtained, if the
distress is urgent, from the churches and the religious organisations
in the Borough. In a few instances single beds for the
use of the patients themselves have been provided through these
agencies.
Steps are taken to put the patient in the way of getting
sanatorium treatment by referring him to one or other of the
Medical Missions in the Borough, to his Friendly Society, to his
Trade Union, or to the Charity Organisation Society. On this
head, exact information is given to the patient ; a short list of
sanatoria is supplied, with the weekly charges made for treatment.
As a rule, it is thought inadvisable to refer the patient to his
employer.
In sending patients to any charitable society, much tact and
discretion are exercised in choosing a suitable type of case. It
is definitely ascertained that the patient will not object to such
a reference, or to the enquiries that are made by the society.
Tradespeople, or workmen in the enjoyment of a moderate wage,
are not so referred. No pressure whatever is made in this
matter. The patient is left a perfectly free hand as to whether
he will go or whether he will not go. The name of any such
patient is not sent to the society unless the patient requests that
this step shall be taken.
These considerations only apply to those patients who are not
being treated by their own private doctors. If a patient is
already under the supervision of his own medical man no steps
whatever are taken.
At each re-visit enquiry is made as to the progress reported,
and further help is offered.