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106
1938]
During the year there have been 407 new cases, as compared with 400 in the
previous year; 1,178 visits compared with 1,314; 2,269 letters as compared with
1,650; 1,006 interviews as compared with 855; and 1,266 telephone calls as against
919.
It will be seen from these figures that the out-door work is somewhat lessened
and the office work very materially increased. Without in any way disparaging the
indoor work, much of which is due to "Seal Sale" work and the collection of the
voluntary contributions, all very necessary, it must be borne in mind that the real
effectiveness of a Care Committee is the personal contact with the patients and
families at home; the home visitation must not be allowed to get less, but must tend
to increase, and there is room for all the voluntary assistance that can be obtained.
Emphasis must be placed on the long and sustained help that has been obtained from
the Social Worker Member. All the Committee have been assiduous in their attend
ance, and the Islington Committee compares most favourably with any other Care
Committee.
The financial support from outside sources comprised the Christmas Seal Sale
proceeds, the proceeds of a sale held locally by a member of the Committee, special
and other donations.
VENEREAL DISEASES.
The nearest treatment centres for these diseases are the Royal Northern
Hospital, Holloway Road, N.7, and the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn Road,
W.C.I. A complete list is exhibited in the public conveniences under the control
of the Council.
Information and leaflets are distributed from the Public Health Department,
and the Medical Officer of Health personally advises applicants as to what they should
do to secure the necessary confidential treatment.
Mr. George Jewsbury, 46 Ibervey Close, Church End, N.3, the Secretary of the
local branch of the British Social Hygiene Council, has kindly supplied the following
notes on the work of the Local Branch in 1938:—
"Our activities have been somewhat small compared with previous years,
but the following engagements are recorded:—
Open air meetings at Highbury Corner were held by Capt. Buckley
which were attended by appreciative audiences varying from 100 to 200
persons, who listened attentively to the details of the work of the British.
Social Hygiene Council. It appears evident that subjects relating to
physical conditions help to a better understanding of human nature."
SUPPLY OF INSULIN TO NON-INSURED PERSONS.
Under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, Section 227, a temporary supply
of medicine, etc., for the poorer inhabitants of a district, with the sanction of the
Minister of Health, is made. Applications for such assistance for patients are made
by the Almoners of five of the largest hospitals. During the year under review
21 patients received this assistance from the Borough Council, the cost of the Insulin
supplied being £41 10s. lOd.
LEPTOSPIRAL JAUNDICE.
No case of this disease is known to have occurred in Islington during 1938.