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Specimens of sputum examined were 444, of which 67 were
found to contain tubercle bacilli; 1,434 radiological examinations
were made; and 2,753 visits were paid to the homes of
patients by the health visitors.
Fourteen patients made seventy-five attendances at the
dental clinic.
One hundred and eight patients received 1,817 artificial
pneumothorax treatments.
Grants of extra nourishment were made in 50 cases; beds
and bedding were loaned to 21 patients; and the district nurses
attended 32 patients in their homes and paid a total of 2,212
visits.
Allowances for Tuberculous Persons Undergoing Treatment.
The Government's scheme to give maintenance allowances to
tuberculous persons undergoing treatment was continued throughout
1946.
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
aft r discharge if, in the opinion of the Tuberculosis Officer,
they 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 is paid 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 55
Discretionary Allowances 45
The amount disbursed during the year was £4,133 2s. 11d.