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96
The type of child usually referred is that showing subnormal
nutrition or children who are contacts of tuberculous patients.
The improvement after a period at the School is in many eases very
marked.
Convalescent Treatment.—13 children were recommended
for periods of convalescent treatment. For the chronic Pulmonary
Catarrh of childhood, this seems to be the most effective treatment.
It needs to be prolonged however, if a relapse is to be
avoided.
For the child debilitated by sickness, a change of air often
works wonders, and enables it to thrive in adverse conditions.
This admirable work so ably carried out by the Invalid
Children's Aid Association is deserving of the highest praise.
"Boarding-Out" of Contacts.—Ten children were boarded
out under the London County Council's scheme. Children up to
the age of 14 years are dealt with under the scheme. They live
in cottages in the country under the care of an approved foster
mother.
Care Work.—Several garden shelters belonging to the Council
are in continuous use and as has been previously noted a number
of bedsteads, mattresses and blankets are on loan to patients.
Gifts of personal clothing have been made to necessitous patients,
as a result of the kindness of various friends of the Dispensary
Nursing staff. As in previous years, much valuable help has been
forthcoming from the British Red Cross Society, Mayor's Fund,
etc.
Extra Nourishment.—A working arrangement with the
Public Assistance Authorities exists whereby tuberculous patients
receiving Public Assistance, are granted an extra allowance of
nourishment on receipt of a recommendation from the Tuberculosis
Officer. The amount granted is usually of the order of 7
pints of milk, 7 eggs and ½ lb. butter weekly.
For those patients not in receipt of Public Assistance, the
scheme commenced in 1936 under Article XII of the Tuberculosis
Regulations, 1930, is continued and is much appreciated. Grants
similar to the above are made, but the scope of the scheme is limited
to patients awaiting admission to Sanatorium or are convalescing
after discharge and where a reasonable probability of eventual
return to work exists.
It should also be mentioned that where considered necessary,
contacts of school age are recommended for free milk, dinners and
cod liver oil and malt, to the School Medical Officer for consideration
by the School Care Committee.