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Grants of extra nourishment were made in 39 cases;
beds and bedding were loaned to 18 patients; and the district
nurses attended 25 patients in their homes and paid a total of
1,991 visits.
Allowances for Tuberculous Persons Undergoing Treatment.
In June, 1943, the Government's scheme to give maintenance
allowances to tuberculous persons undergoing treatment
was introduced.
The allowances are payable to patients for their own
maintenance and that of their dependants whilst the patients are
waiting to go away for treatment, whilst undergoing treatment, and
after discharge if, in the opinion of the Tuberculosis Officer,
the; are not fit to return to work. The Tuberculosis Officer has
the power to continue the allowance for two periods of six months
after discharge from a sanatorium. In exceptional cases the
allowance may be continued for a further period at the discretion
of the Minister of Health, to whom the case must be referred by the
Tuberculosis Officer. In addition, the incomes of persons able
to do part-time work only may be supplemented through the scheme.
Some patients undergoing treatment in institutions,
although having no dependants, have no income of any sort. In
these cases, pocket money is allowed under the scheme, and ispaid
to them by the steward of the institution.
In the London Area, the County Council are responsible
for assessing the allowances. The machinery of the Borough
Council's Tuberculosis Dispensary is, however, used to make
enquiries in regard to allowances, and the actual payments are
made at the Dispensary.
Application forms for allowances are issued from the
Dispensary and the Dispensary staff give any necessary help to
the applicants. The London County Council Assessment Officer
attends the Dispensary once a week to assess all new cases, and
to review the old ones when any change in financial circumstances
has occurred. Details of payments to be made are sent in advance
to the Borough Treasurer and a member of his staff attends the
Dispensary weekly to make the necessary payments to persons
authorised to receive them. The payments are made weekly in
advance.
During the year, patients received allowances
classified as follows:-
Maintenance Allowances. - 124.
Special Allowances. - 28.
Discretionary Allowances.- 36.
The amount disbursed during the year was £3,780 12s.lOd.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
Your Obedient Servant,
JAMES FENTON
Medical Officer of Health.