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114
In this report emphasis has been laid on the progress made in
both the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. The rapid fall in
the number of deaths is extremely encouraging and one can be very
optimistic about the future. The ultimate control of tuberculosis
appears to be within sight.
Medico-Socud Activities.
Miss M. Chave-Jones resigned in March, and was succeeded by
Miss Mary O'Regan as Local Tuberculosis Care Organiser.
Tuberculosis After Care is very important and there are
innumerable difficulties to be overcome. Besides arranging for
National Health Insurance and National Assistance grants, the
Almoner deals with the widest variety of social problems. A
patient with tuberculosis, perhaps the bread winner of a family,
may be off work for one or even two years. During these months
of great stress, in addition to assistance in cash and kind, the patient
and his family need moral and spiritual help which can most
effectively be given by the Almoner and Health Visitors who get to
know the family really well.
The rehabilitation of patients and their resettlement in industry
is an essential part of their treatment. Co-operation with the
Disablement Rehabilitation Officer and Welfare Officers of large
firms is necessary.
The Almoner also administers a very active handicraft and
diversional therapy centre, under an L.C.C. instructress.
An innovation for which the greatest credit must be paid to
Miss O'Regan, is the establishment of a library for patients. This
has now about 1,000 volumes, and by making this available to
infectious patients, it is hoped to discourage them from borrowing
books from the public library with the possible risk of conveying
infection.
The Almoner also acts as Secretary to the Care Committee
which is an extremely energetic organisation, having adequate
funds, derived from voluntary sources, to assist patients in so
many ways, especially in times of great trouble or emergency.
The Care Committee finances the Handicrafts Centre to a
considerable extent and with its funds is able to provide many
amenities for patients.
During the summer 60 patients were taken on a day's outing
to Eastbourne. Numerous patients have been sent on convalescent
holidays at the Committee's expense. By the kindness of Miss