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the provision of Accessories to Institutional Treatment and After-Care.
The Committee had long felt the need of a small fund at their disposal
through which patients could be assisted, as occasion arose, in such
ways as the provision of clothing, dentures and other appliances, convalescence,
country holidays, domestic help for housewives, removal
expenses, help in obtaining suitable work, etc., etc. The practice of
referring patients to other agencies had proved unsatisfactory, and it had
often been impossible to carry out suggested schemes. Particularly,
the provision of clothing for sanatorium was often an urgent matter, and
patients sometimes refused vacancies on account of not having been able
to obtain the necessary outfit. In March, 1926, the Public Health
Committee gave their sanction to the raising of a voluntary fund for these
purposes. The approval of the London County Council was also obtained
in order that the Fund might be eligible for participation in the profits
of Sunday Cinematograph Exhibitions, but no assistance from this source
has yet been obtained. The Care Committee, have, however, during the
year, raised about £35 by means of holding dances and a sale and from
a few subscriptions, and they hope to continue their efforts in this
direction.
The Committee still find the shortage of housing accommodation a
great obstacle in the way of improvement of home conditions. A few
patients have been able to move out to the London County Council's
Housing Estate, Becontree, having been recommended for preferential
consideration on account of tuberculosis; but this is only practicable
where there is a certain family income, and locality of work often proves
a difficulty to families who might otherwise be suitable.
The housing shortage and the problem of finding light work for
ex-sanatorium patients are the greatest of the difficulties with which the
Tuberculosis Care Committee has to contend.
(xiii.) Particulars as to any local arrangements for finding employment
for patients.
Apart from the Labour Exchanges, which can do little or
nothing for the patient whose working capacity is impaired, no purely
local arrangements exist for finding employment for patients. The
Central Fund for the Industrial Welfare of Tuberculous Workers has
been able to employ several patients either in their Spero Leather
Workshop or their Firewood Factory. Some engaged at piece rates in
this latter kind of work seem disappointed at the amount of their earnings
after deducting fares and other necessary outgoings. A fairly high flatrate
pension appears to be necessary in these cases.