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111
to those in receipt of relief, the Unemployment Assistance
Board to those receiving unemployment assistance, while the
Borough Councils provide for patients who do not come under
the care of these two bodies. The grant in each case is supplied
only on the certificate of the Tuberculosis Officer that extra
diet is necessary for the proper treatment of the patient. I
have always held that efficient nourishment is the first essential
in the treatment of tuberculosis, and I feel that any expenditure
in this direction is fully justified. The authorities concerned
treat our recommendations with every consideration and refuse
a grant only in those cases which on investigation are found not
to be justified on financial grounds. The schemes are now working
smoothly and there appears to be no overlapping.
Both the London County Council and the Borough in their
re-housing schemes give preferential consideration to the
tuberculous, on the recommendation of the Tuberculosis Officer
that improved accommodation is desirable in the interests of the
patient and for the prevention of the spread of the disease to
his family. A large number of blocks of fiats have been recently
completed locally and an increasing number of our patients
are being re-housed.
I submit, at the end of this report, a statistical summary
of the work of the department for the year. The tables presented
show no striking variation from those of recent years and call
for no special comment.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Medical Officers of
Health, the Hospital Physicians and Surgeons, the Besident
Medical Officer, and the Hospital Secretary for their kindly
help and advice, and the Dispensary Staff for their efficient work
and loyal support.
H. TYLFORD HOWELL.
6th March, 1939.