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58 Report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1935.
gradually, and are supplied on loan to necessitous cases who require
them ; the cost of medical and nursing requisites and special
nourishment, clothing, etc., amounted to £26 1s. 9d.
There are always a number of patients in an advanced stage
of Tuberculosis who are being nursed either at home or in one of
the London County Council's General Hospitals, particularly
at St. James's Hospital, Balham. The authorities of this Hospital
have given permission for members of the Care Committee to
visit Wandsworth residents suffering from Tuberculosis who
happen to be under treatment in the Hospital. During the year
154 of these patients were visited regularly by the Secretary of
the Committee.
Many of these patients are in hospital for prolonged periods,
and the visits are much appreciated. It is often found when talking
to the patients that they are in difficulties over their rent or insurance
payments, and may be worried by circumstances at their
homes. The Secretary inquiries into all matters of this nature,
and is able to assist in smoothing out many of the patients'
difficulties.
During 1935 the number of visits and interviews made by
the Secretary to cases attending the Dispensaries was 2,029.
During the year there have not been so many cases referred
to the various ex-service organisations, as there were fewer exservice
men attending the Dispensaries. 10 cases were referred to
these organisations and granted assistance by them. 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.
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
patient's illness is the cause of the non-payment of rent, the debt
is settled in order to enable the patient to receive proper treatment.