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(a) That there should be an Honorary Librarian at every Institution
of the Metropolitan Asylums Board at which tuberculous patients are
received, and that a resolution to this effect be sent to the London County
Council, with the request that they will approach the Metropolitan Asylums
Board on the subject.
(b) That the attention of the Omnibus and Tramway Companies be drawn
to the fact that rides on the upper decks of their vehicles are the only means
that many people have of obtaining fresh air drives, and that, in the interests
of the prevention and cure of tuberculosis, the Companies be asked to provide
a larger proportion of open topped vehicles.
Both resolutions were carried.
In June, the following resolution was submitted to the Holborn Board of
Guardians: —
That the Holborn Board of Guardians be requested to allow two visiting
days per week at the Holborn and Finsbury Hospital, instead of one as at
present.
Several Boards of Guardians admit visitors on two days in the week, and it
was felt that patients might be more inclined to remain longer in the institutions
if their friends were allowed more facilities for visiting them and giving them news
of home affairs. The Board of Guardians, however, did not see its way to granting
the Committee's request.
Handicraft classes have been started in several Boroughs with the object of
providing some useful and interesting occupation for tuberculous persons who are
unable to follow any regular employment. Holborn not having enough patients to
run a class on its own, the Finsbury Tuberculosis Care Committee was approached
with a view to ascertaining whether a joint class could be formed. No reply was
received.
It was a great relief to learn that, owing to the strenuous opposition, the
Covent Garden Market Bill was withdrawn but it is very disappointing that no plan
for the preservation of the Foundling Hospital site as an open space has yet
matured. Owing to the congested state of the district and the absence of any
playground facilities for children it is most desirable that the grounds of the
Foundling Hospital and the adjacent squares should remain unbuilt upon, and
that as much as possible of them should be accessible to the public—and especially
to the children of the district—for recreation.
At the end of the year, Miss O. Lazarus, of the West Central Jewish Girls'
Club, and Cavaliere R. Terroni, of the Italian Benevolent Society, were invited to
join the Holborn Tuberculosis Care Committee. It is gratifying to report that
both accepted the invitation.
H. M. MATHIESON,
Hon. Secretary.
Home Nursing for Tuberculous Patients.
With the sanction of the Minister of Health arrangements were made for
nursing of tuberculous patients by the Metropolitan Nursing Association. The
nursing is limited to cases in which there is urgent need of skilled nursing.