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108
All children attending the school, if not taken by parents, definitely have a holiday away, either
through the school journey organised by the Head Mistress, or by special recommendation to the
London County Council, who make arrangements in their seaside homes.
Dental Treatment.
Eighteen persons were recommended for dental treatment under the Tuberculosis Scheme,
dentures being supplied in twelve cases.
The Almoner's Department.
As previously mentioned, the Care work—formerly carried on by the Tuberculosis Care Committee—is
now under the immediate control of the full-time Almoner, who by virtue of her office is in
daily touch with the Invalid Children's Aid Association ; Charity Organisation Society ; Public
Assistance Committee, and other organisations in connection with Dispensary patients and their
families. As far as possible, all patients attending the Dispensary clinics are afterwards interviewed
by the Almoner, in order that non-medical requirements, family circumstances, extra nourishment
grants, etc., can be carefully considered and, if necessary, help and advice given.
I desire to thank the secretaries and members of the Invalid Children's Aid Association ;
Charity Organisation Society and other Societies who have in the past afforded valuable help to the
Dispensary on the Care Committee ; and for their continual assistance in collaboration with the
Almoner. Especially in this connection must mention be made of the Invalid Children's Aid Association,
who have sent 13 children to convalescent homes in direct connection with Tuberculosis work—
most valuable from the point of view both of prevention and resistance-building in those infected.
During 1938, extra nourishment grants for 85 patients were made under the Public Health
Scheme, for varying periods.
The last meeting of the Tuberculosis Care Committee was held in January, but the Care work
undertaken by the Committee was carried on without any break by Miss Sargent, cases being referred
as usual to the various Societies. A voluntary Handicraft and Seals Committee was appointed in
July, being definitely affiliated with the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis at
the end of October, 1938 (the former Tuberculosis Care Committee being affiliated in the previous
year).
Amongst other advantages, this affiliation carried with it the right to participate in the Christmas
Seals Sale—organised by the N.A.P.T. (with local enterprise) for the purposes of propaganda and
raising of funds for Care work connected with tuberculous patients and their families.
For those who do not know of this scheme, it may be explained that the Christmas Seal is a
small decorative stamp—bearing the symbol adopted by the N.A.P.T. as an international emblem—
the double-barred cross of Godfrey of Bouillon of Crusades' fame in mediaeval history. This stamp
can be used for decorative purposes on Christmas stationery, parcels and presents, and for sticking
down envelopes, etc., and the price of each stamp is £d.—sheets of 25, 50, or 100 being sold at slightly
cheaper rates. The stamps are obtained from the N.A.P.T. for the use of their affiliated local organisations
and the money can be retained by the latter in support of local Care activities in connection with
the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
In 1937, participation in the Christmas Seal Sale realised £51 7s. 10d., which was set aside for
the purpose of equipment for a suggested Handicraft Class.
The Public Health Committee had surveyed and recommended to the Borough Council the
adaption of existing outbuildings on the Dispensary premises for the purpose of a Handicraft Class
Room. This (at the time of writing) has been completed and a small class of suitable tuberculous
patients have commenced learning to weave ; make rugs ; and do tile decoration. The latter,
through the kindness of Miss Howson, one of the members of the Handicraft and Seals Committee,
will be fired, at cost price of electricity for heating, in her special pottery kilns in Putney. It is hoped
that the institution of this class will afford both interest and profit to patients who are otherwise, by
reason of their disability, precluded from carrying on normal work.