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11
Number of examinations of
sputum:—
Insured 855
Uninsured 159
514
Number of X-ray examinations
of patients 23
Tuberculosis Care Committee.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee was formed by the Chelsea Borough
Council in April, 1917, in connection with the institution of the Tuberculosis
Dispensary in Chelsea. Whereas the Tuberculosis Dispensary
deals entirely with the Medical side of the problem, the Care Committee
is responsible for the social side. Its duty is to see that as far as possible
there are no difficulties in the way of the patients carrying out the orders
given at the Dispensary; to see that the patients have the necessary
clothes, bedding, etc.; that patients and their families, who may be in
need, owing to the disability of the breadwinner to work, are supplied
with what is necessary before and during treatment. It also endeavours
on the return of the patients to get them suitable work. The Committee
is also responsible for seeing that, where the conditions of the rooms
in which the patients live are unsatisfactory, these should be remedied;
that where a change of residence is needed this should be effected. (Owing
to the present housing conditions, it is almost impossible for anyone to
move, so that at present these residences are only noted for future action.)
The Committee is also responsible for making assessments in those
cases where they consider that the patients are in a position to pay
towards the cost of institutional treatment; and it decides, when the
patient is an uninsured person, whether these cases are best dealt with
under the L.C.C. or the Poor Laws.
In all this work, both at the Dispensary and in their own sphere, the
Committee feels strongly the necessity for getting into friendly relations
with the patient and his family. By this means much education as to
fresh air and inprovement in home conditions may be effected; also the
family realises that there is someone to whom they can turn in case of
difficulties arising during the patients absence, and one also whom they
can consult as to future employment on his return.
Members of Committee.
Dr. Louis Parkes, Medical Officer of Health (Chairman).
The Rev. R. H. Hudson, late Mayor, present Chairman of Health
Committee (Vice-Chairman).
Miss Loring, Charity Organisation Society, Hon. Sec. for Tuberculosis
Care Committee.
Miss Tetternborn, Tuberculosis Visitor.
Miss Paddon, District Organiser of Care Committee.
Mrs. Rathbone, I.C.A.A.
Miss Barcroft, I.C.A.A.
Lady Ogilvie, Chelsea Health Society and Mothers' Welcome.
Miss Page, District Nurses.
The Committee Officer, War Pensions Committee.
Miss Seddon, St. George's Hospital,