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45
through the Invalid Children's Aid Association, the Public Assistance
Committee, the School authorities, St. Henry's Fund and other agencies.
The association with Westminster Hospital has been continued and
many cases were referred there during the year, for surgical opinions, for
orthopaedic treatment or for such treatment as the removal of tonsils
and adenoids.
Forty-two cases have had X-ray examinations during the year and
192 sputum examinations were made in connection with the work of the
Dispensary. Five cases have received artificial pneumothorax treatment
at Brompton Hospital and elsewhere. The excellent results of this
treatment in suitable cases amply justify the expenditure involved ;
69 refills were given at a cost to the Council of 10s. 6d. each. Light
treatment at General Hospitals at the Council's expense has been recommended
for one patient. Six new dispensary patients had treatment at
the Council's Dental Clinic, and 50 extractions were performed.
The work of the Tuberculosis Care Committee has been continued on
the lines previously indicated. The Committee assesses the amount to
be paid by patients undergoing institutional treatment. The economic
position of the patient and his dependents receives careful consideration
before and after treatment and the Committee can arrange such aid as is
necessary in almost every case. The Committee recommended extra diet
allowances on medical grounds to 15 persons for varying periods at a total
cost to the Council of £73 3s. id.
The work of the Handicraft Class which is run for Dispensary patients
by a voluntary Committee, has been continued. The class owed its
inception and its progress largely to the energy and enthusiasm of Miss
Sanders, Secretary of the Tuberculosis Care Committee. To the regret of
everyone concerned with the Class, Miss Sanders does not feel in a position
to continue her valuable work as Secretary to the Handicraft Committee.
Miss McFarlane has now consented to act as Secretary, and it is hoped
that it may be possible to continue the work successfully. The Class is
still fortunate in having the help of Miss Willatts as teacher, and has an
excellent room in the new premises, and a reasonably sound financial
position. Unfortunately, only a limited supply of patients is available for
the class and the number is liable to depletion by the requirements of treatment.
The particular type of work does not naturally appeal to every
patient and many are not available for economic or health reasons. There
is no doubt, however, that the occupation and interest provided by the
class is of real value to those who are in a position to take advantage of its
opportunities.
Ian S. Thomson.