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REPORT BY THE ALHONER
During the last year a considerable number of patients
have been referred by Dr. Fritchard for allowances under the
L.C.C. Tuberculosis Scheme, and those cases that do not come
within the scope of this Scheme, i.e. 'patients who do not
give up gainful employment to take treatment were referred
to the local Social Welfare Officers. The average man or
woman would not give up work if they know that they were
forced to apply for relief and the allowances now made do
encourage the patient to follow the treatment laid down by
the Doctor.
In most cases of Hardship the Dispensary arranges for the
extra milk ration allowed by the Ministry of Food to be paid
for by the Borough.
When the patient leaves off work he is given a form on
which he states particulars of his family and his normal
wages, and his case is brought before the L.C.C. Assessment
Officer the following Friday, when the details given are
considered in full and a grant is made according to seals
i.o. so much for the patient and wife and each child. If
the patient has a high rent or other additional expenses
which are considered reasonable, a discrtionary allowance
is made in many cases.
During the time that the patient is ill help is given
with clothing, bedding, fares etc, through the Care Committee
and arrangements are often made for the children to receive
free school dinners. Pyjamas can be obtained upon production
of coupons through the L.C.C. as part of the treatment before
the patient is sent to a Sanatorium. Any additional needs are
met through the funds of the T.B. Care Committee.
When a patient is in Hospital, or a Sanatorium, and is
not eligible for any allowance under the Scheme, and is not
entitled to National Health Insurance benefit, a pocket money
grant is made from the funds of the Care Committee. we do
at all times try to meet the urgent needs of the tuberculous
patients, both financially and otherwise.
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