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98
the child resistant to infection by the disease-producing variety. In his
annual report for the year 1925 Sir George Newman stated that the
Ministry is watching the progress of this work and an experimental
enquiry is being made by the Medical Research Council.
Yours faithfully,
N. M. Donnelly,
Tuberculosis Officer.
Report of Miss Lewellin,
Secretary of the Tuberculosis Care Committee.
The year 1926 has been a full and busy one for the Tuberculosis
Care Committee.
The work has been carried out on exactly the same lines as indicated
in our report last year. We exist to help and there seems to be no end
to the various kinds of assistance we are called upon to render, both
material and otherwise.
774 cases have been before the Care Committee during the year.
Many of these have been dealt with individually, and on all of them
has information been furnished.
1,311 visits have been paid to the patients' homes by the Secretary.
1,223 interviews have taken place at the Dispensary between the
Secretary and patients.
Behind these figures lies warm human matter, many tragedies,
queer little romances, instances of unselfish devotion and patience,
hidden to all but the Committee worker's eye.
Visiting is an important part of the work. An insight into patients'
lives and a knowledge of conditions is gained that can be obtained by
no other means. The best way to help is made plain, little adjustments
in the way of living which will benefit the patient and safeguard the
family, can be suggested; perhaps the need of an extra bed is made
obvious. All these things, and more, can be dealt with through a visit.
Many of our cases now call at our office at the Dispensary, perhaps
for advice on a point in connection with insurance benefit which baffles
them. Sometimes just to let us know that they are "feeling fine," or
perhaps to say that they "are not quite so grand." This furnishes a
good opportunity to find out how things are with them. If they are
still working or if there is any change in circumstances which may
render help necessary.