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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CAMBERWELL
TUBERCULOSIS CARE COMMITTEE
FOR THE YEAR 1956.
During the year Councillor Mrs. Elizabeth Thorne was
appointed by the Borough Council as a member of the Committee
in place of Mr. C. T. Boothby.
The Committee again has pleasure in reporting on its work
during the past year. The number of cases interviewed by the
Secretary was 1,834, and the following summary shows the type
of assistance given and the number of patients assisted from
our Funds:—
Clothing 69
Pocket money while in hospital 20
Wireless (repairs and licences) 5
Taxi fares 10
Holidays 2
Household removals, and help with furnishings 5
Loan of bedside comforts 12
Loan of beds 11
Supply of bedding 30
Supply of towels 10
Purchase of secondhand pram 2
Fares of relatives to distant sanatoria 31
Loan of jig-saw puzzles and books 56
Settlement of hire-purchase arrears, coal and other outstanding
accounts 7
Lodgings and meals 6
Settlement of insurance arrears 1
In addition to the above 250 patients were referred to the
National Assistance Board for financial or other help.
A great deal of time has been spent in discussing with
patients the problems that arise in home matters and" every
endeavour has been made to smooth out some of their difficulties.
Such advice is often as beneficial as practical assistance and
conveys to patients a sense of relief and confidence. Sympathy
and understanding of patients' problems are essential if their
confidence is to be maintained.
The Medical staff and Health Visitors of the Chest Clinic
Almoners of Hospitals or Sanatoria, local Voluntary Organisations
and Public Bodies in the Borough were most helpful in
bringing cases needing help or advice to the notice of the Committee.
All cases were carefully considered and help given where
possible.