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(b) Chest Clinic and Dispensary, New End. Hospital and Home
Visits by T.M.O.
Attendances at Chest Clinic and Dispensary 1,817
,, ,, New End Hospital 523
Visits by Tuberculosis Officer to Homes 112
Total 2,452
(c) Visits by Tuberculosis Health Visitors.
Number of visits to Homes 439
Artificial Pneumothorax.
566 refills were given to 55 patients during the period.
X-ray Examination.
During the period 703 films were taken at New End Hospital. In
addition, approximately 520 X-ray screenings have been carried out
there by the Tuberculosis Officer.
Dental Clinic.
Four patients have attended and the total attendance was 14.
Tuberculosis Care Work.
Up to the 5th July, 1948, this work was carried out by a SubCommittee
of the Public Health Committee. During the half year
44 grants amounting to £40 15s. 9d. were made to tuberculous patients
to cover such items as fares to visit patients in sanatoria, insurance
premiums, material for occupational therapy, students' fees for re-entry
to the London University, and emergency grants pending the adjustment
or granting of Tuberculosis Allowances.
Financial Allowances for Tuberculous Patients.
On the 5th July, 1948, all cases in receipt of Tuberculosis Allowances
were transferred to the National Assistance Board, under the new Health
Service Act. During the half year ended 5th July, 1948, 32 new applica
-tions
were received of which 29 were granted allowances, 1 was found
to be not eligible and 2 were still under consideration on the 5th July.
The total cost involved was £1,044 17s. 5d. The number of current
cases transferred to the National Assistance Board on the 5th July was
49, two later being withdrawn.
Under the National Assistance Board chronic cases are eligible for
allowances, but non-pulmonary cases are still excluded, nor is it possible
for full-time earnings to be supplemented however inadequate they
may be. Formerly, when need was proved, assistance could be granted
both to patients in full employment and their contacts. Part-time
earnings can still be supplemented but only a total amount of £1 of the
income can be ignored when calculating allowances, nor can quite the
full extent of discretionary payments be granted under the new scheme,
although in general the scales have been increased, primarily to meet
the cost of extra nourishment.
Beds and Bedding.
At the 5th July, 1948, the following bedding was on loan to 13 tuberculous
patients 4 bedsteads, 6 mattresses, 17 sheets, 32 blankets,
3 pillows, 10 pillow cases, 2 bolsters.