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In addition to the services of the district nurses, the Tuberculosis
Officer has authority to supply a small amount of extra
nourishment to tuberculous patients, which takes the form of
milk and eggs or Virol and milk; a total of 212 patients have been
thus assisted during the year.
SHELTERS.
For many years the Council has loaned shelters free for the
use of patients suffering from tuberculosis. The shelters are
built by the Works Department and are of the ordinary sanatorium
fixed type, so constructed that even when completely
closed, ample ventilation through louvres is provided. The use
of a shelter diminishes the risk of infection which is so serious
in an overcrowded home, but the instances in which a shelter can
be erected are few, since the garden space available is usually
either insufficient or unsuitable. Beds and bedding are supplied
with the shelter and in some cases arrangements have been
made for electric light to be installed. There are 21 shelters at
present in use, 6 new ones having been erected during the year
and 7 dismantled owing to the death or removal of the patient.
In addition to the supply of shelters, beds and bedding are
supplied on loan for the use of patients at home where suitable
use can be made of them. By this means we are often enabled
to arrange for a patient to sleep alone and so lessen the risk of
infection. Twenty-three beds are in use at present.
LADY ALMONER.
The social side of tuberculosis work is of the utmost importance.
Practically all tuberculous patients in this borough require
assistance of some sort beyond the mere diagnosis of the disease
and provision of sanatorium treatment. The Lady Almoner is
the connecting link between the needy patient and the source of
assistance. During this year Miss Pike has made 966 visits to
homes of patients in connection with this side of the Tuberculosis
Scheme, and a great deal of very varied assistance has been given
to patients. In many cases clothing has been found for needy