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52 Report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1934.
The number of cases referred to the Public Assistance
Committee has increased.
The Secretary is able to assist and advise patients in regard
to their Health and Unemployment Insurance. In several
cases where benefit was not payable because the contributions
were in arrears, these were cleared off by grants from the
Voluntary Fund, which enabled the patients to draw benefit.
These grants amounted to £4 16s. lid.
In special cases, assistance in the payment of rent is granted,
in order to tide over a period of distress. When it is found that
the patients' illness is the cause of the non-payment of rent, the
debt is settled in order to enable the patient to receive proper
treatment.
The amount paid on this account during 1934 was £7 2s. Od.
During the year the Care Committee paid for three cases in
St. Columba's Hospital, Hampstead, the amount being £12 9s. Od.
Handicraft Class—Several years ago the Committee
organised a Handicraft Class, where persons suffering from
Tuberculosis, who have already received Institutional treatment,
are able to learn certain branches of handicraft, and to
make articles which they can sell.
The value of handicraft in the treatment of Tuberculosis
has been recognised for a considerable time, as it enables patients
to do something useful and gives them an occupation when they
are unable to enter the ordinary labour market.
The Class is maintained out of the Committee's fund. It
meets at 79, East Hill, Wandsworth, every Tuesday morning at
10.30-12.30, and is in charge of Miss Fone, who is a trained
instructress in the crafts taught. These are the making of
articles in leather, pewter or parchment, and embroidery,
knitting, etc. After deducting the cost of materials the profit
on a particular article made at the Class goes to the patient who
has made it. The Class is much appreciated by the patients,
who attend as regularly as their health will allow.
The Wandsworth Care Committee held a very successful
Sale at the Town Hall in October, when the opening ceremony