London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of Westminster 1925

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]

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50
of diet and environment. It assists them in lessening the strain of taking
up their work again after a period of rest and helps to maintain the good
derived from sanatorium treatment. The grants are made really on
medical grounds, but each case is considered in its economic aspects
by the Tuberculosis Care Committee. In the survey report of 1920
comment was made on the difficulty in obtaining extra food from the
Insurance Committee. In those days all insured consumptives were
under the impression that they were entitled to milk and eggs as part of
sanatorium benefits. The demand was considerable, and in some instances
grants were made to unsuitable cases, whilst they were discontinued in
others who required them. Since the Council was given the power to
provide extra nourishment there has been no difficulty and no case of
hardship. The suggestion that the extra food is required comes from the
medical officer and not from the patient. The amount spent in 1925 was
£38, and 9 patients received grants. Since 1921 the number benefited
and the money spent for this purpose are as follows :—1921 (6 persons :
cost £35), 1922 (9 persons: cost £55), 1923 (15 persons: cost £49), and
1924 (14 persons: cost £69).
XI.—Arrangements for the treatment of cases of non-pulmonary
tuberculosis have been considered when describing the measures of cooperation
existing between the dispensary and the general hospitals
with particular reference to Westminster Hospital, with which the dispensary
is affiliated. It would be appropriate here to mention with appreciation
the services of the surgeon in charge of the orthopoedic department
of the hospital, whose advice and skill are always so generously
given. The supply of surgical apparatus is usually arranged at the
hospitals with such bodies as the Invalid Children's Aid Association and
the Surgical Aid Society.
XII.—Care and After-Care.—A Tuberculosis Care Committee, which
is formed under the auspices of the Council, meets once a month alternately
at the City Hall and at the Tuberculosis Dispensary. The Committee
consists of individuals representing bodies interested in the various aspects
of tuberculosis work, such as the Guardians, School Medical Service,
School Care Committees, British Red Cross Society, United Services Fund,
London Insurance Committee, Charity Organization Society, Invalid Children's
Aid Association and Westminster Health Society. The almoners
of Bromptori and the general hospitals in the City are members, and the
Medical Officer of Health is Chairman. The Health Visitors are exofficio
members, and bring forward reports on cases in which questions
of after-care arise. The chief matters which occupy the business of the
Committee are those affecting families while a parent is in a sanatorium—
measures for safeguarding the health of the patient on his or her return from