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came into force in July, 1943. Under this scheme, financial assistance
is only granted to patients suffering from the pulmonary forms
of tuberculosis, and is limited to those who have every prospect of
returning to work six months after completion of sanatorium treatment.
Chronic cases are not eligible.
Single men and women who are not entitled to any National
Health benefit whilst undergoing treatment in an institution are
eligible for pocket money up to 5/- per week.
778 patients received assistance under the scheme.
Handicraft Class.
A Handicraft Class is maintained by the Care Committee where
tuberculous patients who are not fit for normal work, are taught to
make articles which they can sell. The Class meets at the Wandsworth
Dispensary every Monday afternoon from 2.30 to 4.30. The
Class is conducted under the supervision of the Secretary and an
Instructress. The crafts taught include the making of articles in
leather, embroidery, knitting, felt work and the making of gloves.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Of the 6,267 births which occurred during the year, 5,632, or
89.86 per cent. were visited by the Health Visitors. The total
number of visits made by these officers for all purposes was 39,668.
In addition they attended at Clinics, etc., on 3,429 occasions.
There are 10 Welfare Centres operating in the Borough, infant
sessions being held at all these Centres and ante-natal clinics at nine
of them. Up to the 31st March, 1946, two of the Centres were
administered by the Council, while eight were voluntary Centres
receiving a grant of 80 per cent. of their approved expenditure from
the Council.
On the 19th February the Council decided to take over the
direct administration, including complete financial responsibility for
all the Centres from the 1st April.
67,870 attendances were made at the infant clinics and there
were 11,991 attendances of expectant mothers at the ante-natal
clinics. No special post-natal clinics are held, but 479 women attended
the ante-natal clinics for post-natal examination and advice,.
A Dental Clinic is held at the Municipal Buildings for expectant
and nursing mothers and children under five years of age. Patients
attending the Clinic are required to pay one shilling each time they
attend. If dentures are necessary, the patients are assessed on their
income in accordance with a scale approved by the Council.
684 patients were seen for the first time and the number of attendances
made at the Clinic by all patients was 1,954. Eighty women
were granted assistance towards the cost of their dentures, the
Council contributing £191. 18s. 7d.