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101
is: the workers feeling confident that if fully realized the outcome
would be a determined effort to aid the work of prevention and to
further schemes for the treatment and welfare of those stricken.
The great need of those of our patients who are up and about but
not fit for work is for something to interest and occupy their minds.
Time hangs heavy, especially for the men and youths. One longs for
a comfortable airy room where they could congregate, play games,
perhaps be taught some simple form of handicraft, even occasionally
have a concert or a lecture. Many of the homes are sad and dismal
places to spend a day in, and during the dark winter months there is
little inducement to tramp muddy streets. The type of home that some
of our patients live in has been graphically described by the Medical
Officer of Health in his report last year. It is in the interests of our
patients to keep them out of such surroundings as much as possible and
away from the little children who abound in them. As time goes on
we may perhaps be able to evolve some scheme to meet this need even
if only in a small way.
The London County Council's Boarding-out Scheme has again this
year been found exceedingly helpful, though of necessity restricted to
urgent cases only. 11 children were recommended for boarding-out
during the year 1926, and accepted. Of these 8 were actually sent
away. In two of the cases the parents withdrew consent, after
acceptance, and one child was found to be unsuitable for boarding-out.
In conclusion particulars of a few typical cases helped may be found
of interest.
1. The son of a patient was accepted by the London County
Council for boarding-out under their scheme, in view of the infectious
state of the father coupled with very bad home conditions. As the
months went by it became apparent that there was little likelihood
that conditions at home would alter for a considerable time, and it
became necessary for the Council to send the boy back to make place
for others. Reports received indicated that this child was particularly
happy with his foster parents, was a very good boy and well worth
helping. Accordingly it was agreed by the Care Committee that an
effort should be made to keep him away. The scheme entailed a
considerable expenditure, and it was no easy matter to find ways and
means. Finally, as the family was being maintained by the Guardians
it was decided to ask them to accept responsibility.