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Tuberculosis Dispensaries. 57
Meetings.—The Care Committee meets on the first Friday
in every month at 3 p.m. The Finance Sub-committee and Handicraft
Sub-committee meet prior to the General Committee.
Summary of the Work Done.—Although assessments have
been abolished, the London County Council require a return to
be made to them giving the financial circumstances of patients
who are to undergo institutional treatment. A knowledge of these
particulars and of the home conditions under which the patients
live are factors which have a bearing on the treatment recommended.
Patients requiring dental treatment, which is a service provided
by the Borough Council, are still assessed by the Committee
who determine the amount of their contributions towards the
cost.
Soon after the Committee was established it was apparent
that the value of the work it could carry out would be increased
materially if funds were available. As no grants from public
funds were provided, certain members of the Committee decided
to organise a Voluntary Fund. This is utilised to grant assistance
to persons suffering from Tuberculosis when this cannot be provided
by other organisations.
Owing to the success of the Christmas Seal Sale, the Committee
have made arrangements with the Trustees of Maitland
Cottage, Barton-on-Sea, to maintain two beds for the use of patients
resident within the Borough of Wandsworth. Twenty-eight
adults and two children were sent away for convalescent treatment
daring 1936 at a cost of £139 7s. 6d.
Financial assistance is also given to relatives to enable them
to visit patients who have been away under treatment for three
months or longer, as it is often found that after that time the
patient becomes restless and wants to come home. The visit
from a relative often does much good, and the patient agrees to
continue under treatment. These cases are investigated and
assistance is only given where it would be quite impossible for
the relative to afford the fare. Financial assistance to patients
and relatives amounted to £126 5s. 8d.