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Tuberculosis Dispensaries. 61
their homes. The Secretary inquires into all matters of this
nature and is able to assist in smoothing out many of the patients'
difficulties.
During 1938 the number of visits and interviews made by
the Secretary to cases attending the Dispensaries was 2,148.
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
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.
Pocket money is sent to destitute cases who have to undergo
treatment.
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, and last
year the cost was £122 4s. 0d. It meets once a week, and is in
charge of Mrs. Walker, who is a trained instructress in the crafts
taught. These include the making of articles in leather, pewter,
parchment and embroidery, rug making, painting on glass,
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,