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77
The earlier the stage of the disease, given a
sensible attitude on the part of the patient together
with a reasonable power of resistance, the more chance
there is of recovery.
The advanced case of consumption still remains
one of difficulty and a potential source of danger.
Such cases are unsuitable for sanatoria as the prospects
of return to working life are usually remote
—and for a large number only temporary benefit
could be hoped for.
A certain number of such patients are dealt with
by admission to hospital beds and homes under the
London County Council: but these usually have
only temporary periods in hospital: in the meantime
living at home, where proper segregation may be
impossible and adequate nursing attention causes a
strain on relatives and friends.
The Dispensary Staff do what they can to ensure
a proper hygiene in these homes, but it is obviously
impossible to carry on continual daily supervision
in all cases.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee.
The meetings of this Committee are held once
every fortnight at the Dispensary, and their activities
cover a very wide field, chiefly being connected with
the social welfare of patients and their dependents,
and the assessment of contributions towards treatment.
Extra nourishment is authorised in all cases
where the condition of the patient together with
financial considerations justifies it: a special vote
being granted in the estimates under the Tuberculosis
scheme for the purpose.
The Public Assistance Committee and the
Dispensary work in close connection in regard to
extra nourishment coming outside the jurisdiction