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she first came to the Dispensary was suffering from pulmonary
tuberculosis and was too ill to work. Her only income was her
National Health Insurance benefit. It was most essential that she
should have sanatorium treatment and through the help of the
Charity Organisation Society arrangements were made for the
mother to stay with a sister, the Society helping financially so that
the home could be kept together. Extra nourishment was given
by the Borough Council till the patient went away and for a long
period after her return home when she was once more in full work.
Her old firm took her back and have treated her with special consideration
and she is now doing well and working full time.
B.—Was a woman of 33, who, on her father's death, was left
absolutely alone, unable to work and without resources, but able
to get about and most anxious to keep her home of one room.
When she was a child she was treated for tuberculosis of the hip and
although this was cured she was still very delicate. The Charity
Organisation Society helped for a considerable time, trying also
to find some employment suitable for her, but this was impossible.
Ultimately she was referred to the Guardians, who gave her the
maximum rate of out-relief and, in the summer, when she flagged a
good deal, sent her away for six weeks to the seaside. The Guardians
paid her rent while she was away, and through the kindness of the
Charity Organisation Society, she was given pocket-money, the
possession of which made her holiday all the more enjoyable. She
came back, not fit to earn, but very much better in health and
spirits.
C.—Was an ex-service man who worked as a boot-repairer on
his own. He became too ill to work, though not definitely tubercular,
and was recommended for observation in a Hospital. As he
was not in receipt of a pension, the Red Cross assisted, both with
money and clothing, and on his discharge sent him down into the
country to his brother's, paying for his fares and board. He is now
home again, very much improved in health and able to carry on
his work.
D.—Was a married woman with three children who, on her first
attendance, was found to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis
and in urgent need of sanatorium treatment. Her husband was a
sailor, fortunately with the Home Fleet, and was able to obtain
leave in order to help make arrangements for his family. Two
of the children were boarded out in the country under the London
County Council's contact scheme by the Invalid Children's Aid
Association. The third child, who was in need of treatment for
enlarged tonsils, was admitted to a Children's Hospital, through
the same Association; after some weeks of treatment there, he was
accepted by the Council for boarding out and joined his sisters in
the country. The children being arranged for, the patient was able
to go away to sanatorium with her mind at ease about them and at
the present time is still away.