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104
his wife alone with insufficient means to maintain the home. This
patient was also an ex-service man, but had no grounds for claiming
pension. Application was made to the United Services Fund who
granted an allowance to the wife, which together with sick benefit,
enabled her to manage during her husband's absence. In about a
couple of months the London County Council was notified by the
Medical Superintendent of the sanatorium that this patient was worried
over home affairs and contemplated discharging himself. The Care
Committee was asked to do anything possible to prevent this. A visit
was paid to the home and it was found that insurance benefit had been
reduced and that the wife was in difficulties, also that she was lonely
and unhappy, and was needing a reason to urge her husband to come
home. A successful effort to improve the situation was made. The
United Services Fund increased their allowance, frequent visits were
made to the wife who was persuaded that it was in her husband's
interest that he should complete his treatment; he himself was written
to and assured that there was no need now for him to worry and the
man settled down again content. His letters of thanks made pleasant
reading. In due course he returned home having done exceptionally
well. His former employer found suitable work for him, and at
present he is still working and keeping well.
3. The patient, in this case a boy of 17, returned from a course of
treatment for T.B. kneejoint. Treatment was completed and disease
quiescent, but it was necessary for the boy to wear irons and splint for
a time He was consequently unfitted for employment at the moment,
and it was felt by the Care Committee that some effort must be made
to fill up his time usefully. In discussion with the boy and his parents
it became evident that the patient was interested in clerical work and
figures, and a commercial course at an L.C.C. centre was suggested.
The boy was full of enthusiasm and the matter was arranged. The
case was carefully watched, and the result as far as the boy was concerned
exceeded expectations. It was evident, however, that the
parents were feeling the strain of keeping a lad of this age ; clothing
also was difficult, as the boy felt it if he went to school in a noticeably
shabby state. It became evident that if the experiment was to be a
success help must be sought. A report was first obtained from the
school, to justify any request. This report, both as to progress and
conduct, was excellent. Help has been now obtained, and it is hoped
that within a reasonably short period the boy will be fit to undertake