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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 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.
887 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. The
crafts taught include the making of articles in leather, embroidery,
knitting, feltwork and the making of gloves.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Of the 6,819 births which occurred during the year, 6,253, or
91.69 per cent. were visited by the Health Visitors. The total
number of visits made by these officers for all purposes was 48,622.
In addition they attended at Qinics, etc., on 3,071 occasions.
There are 11 Welfare Centres operating in the Borough, infant
sessions being held at all these Centres and ante-natal clinics at nine
of them.
75,122 attendances were made at the infant clinics and there
were 10,916 attendances of expectant mothers at the ante-natal
clinics. No special post-natal clinics are held, but 692 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.
849 patients were seen for the first time and the number of attendances
made at th'e Clinic by all patients was 2,197. 53 women were
granted assistance towards the cost of their dentures, the Council
contributing £114. 13s. Od.