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10. The organisation of voluntary helpers who would
assist certain special cases who may need extra food, extra
clothing, or other help; they also endeavour to keep the
family going for a short period if the breadwinner is
removed to hospital for a few weeks' treatment.
We present a table of the chief points in connection with the
Dispensaries we have visited, the cost of working in each case,
with the exception of Paddington, being about £700 for the first
year and £300 initial expenses. The first named sum may
increase if the work grows to such an extent as to render an
increase in the staff necessary :—
THE TREATMENT.
(Including Tuberculin Treatment.)
The usual method of dealing with persons for treatment is
as follows:—
The patient is first examined by the Medical Officer and a
record taken of his history, physical signs, weight, general
condition, &c.
He is then given a clinical thermometer (costing 8£d.) and
instructed how to take his temperature, and a card is given
him on which he is to record his temperature every four hours
for four days.
He is then told to come back to the Dispensary at a fixed
time, and to bring his temperature card record with him.
The day following his first appearance he is visited by the
Nurse or Health Visitor who sees that he understands taking
his temperature correctly. This gives her an opportunity of
seeing the home conditions and giving him advice and literature
on the subject of home hygiene, the necessity of the open
window, the care of the sputum, &c.