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113
"The Care Committee also wish to acknowledge the useful work of
the Invalid Children's Aid Association in visiting and convalescing
children, and to express their gratitude to the British Red Cross Society
and the United Services Fund for assistance given to ex-Service men
and their families.
"Although a few tubercular patients have been fortunate during the
year in moving into Council flats or houses and thereby improving their
home conditions, the housing problem still remains a great difficulty.
The London County Council have given special preference to people
suffering from tuberculosis for houses on their Estates at Becontree and
Downham; but the high rents and inaccessibility as regards work prove
a difficulty in many cases, and many families who have made the move
have, unfortunately, been in financial distress since, particularly Army
pensioners who have had their pensions reduced.
"The difficulty of assisting ex-sanatorium patients to find light work
remains as great as ever.
"The Poplar Tuberculosis Care Committee is represented on the
Standing Conference of Metropolitan Borough Tuberculosis Care Committees,
which has met twice during the year. "
(xiii.) Particulars as to any local arrangements for finding employment
for patients.
No special arrangements exist for finding employment for patients.
The Employment Exchanges have not proved of any service. For patients
who are not capable of competing in the open market, some special
organisation, such as the Spero workshops, appears to offer the best
chance of employment under existing conditions.
(xiv.) Statement as to the supply and supervision of shelters at the
homes of patients.
Shelters are provided on loan by the Borough Council in cases where
there is suitable accommodation and the patient appears likely to make
proper use of them. One new shelter has been supplied during the year,
and 4 were out on loan on December 31st.
The Health Visitors have the general supervision of shelters in their
own districts, report on their condition and ensure, as far as possible,
that they are put to proper use.
(xv.) Any special points noted locally as to the incidence of tuberculosis
(i.e., occupation).
No special occupational incidence has been noted.