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7
Artificial pneumothorax treatment has been carried out
at several hospitals by arrangement. 245 cases were treated
and 4,707 refills were administered. Cost £2,291. 17s. Od.
16 patients received dental treatment. Cost £29. 15s. Od.
Extra nourishment as authorised by Section 219 of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, has been granted to 16
patients, and 108 cases who were ineligible under the scheme
received extra nourishment through the Public Assistance.
Committee. Cost £22.. 3s. Od.
Tuberculosis Care Committee.
This Committee, which meets once a month, is constituted
of members of the Borough Council, representatives
of authorities and organisations interested in the welfare of
persons suffering from tuberculosis, and ladies and gentlemen
who have a special interest in the work.
Activities of the Care Committee.
Details of the home conditions and financial circumstances
of patients who are to receive institutional treatment are
investigated. The Committee also fix the amounts patients
should contribute towards the cost of dental treatment provided
by the Borough Council.
All persons found to be suffering from tuberculosis arc
interviewed by the Secretary who is able to give them advicc
and assistance in many directions. She also pays regular visits
to patients who are being nursed at their homes, or in on,e of
the London County Council's general hospitals. 2,596 patients
were visited or interviewed during the year.
The Committee controls a Fund, maintained by voluntary
contributions, from which grants are made to patients who are
ineligible for assistance from other organisations. Assistance
from the Fund is granted to relatives to enable them to visit
patients undergoing treatment in institutions. Patients are
also assisted with their removal expenses to better housing
accommodation, with arrears of rent and insurance payments,
and fares to sanatoria. Clothing is supplied when
required, and medical and nursing requisites are lent to those
who need them. An amount of £228. 4s. 3d, was spent in this
manner during the year.
The Government scheme for assisting tuberculous persons
who had to give up remunerative work in order to undertake
treatment, came into force in July, 1943. Under this Scheme,
financial assistance is only granted to patients suffering from