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85
Family casework and problem families
In addition to their work in the school clinics, the five social
workers in the Health Department carry a small case load of
problem families needing rehabilitation. Most of the parents in
these cases have themselves had either broken or unstable homes.
Chronic debts—particularly in relation to rent, gas and electricity
bills—poor school attendance and poor care of the children have
been major problems.
During the year, three of the families being helped proved themselves
able to manage their own affairs; at the end of the year 16
families were receiving social worker support.
Chest clinics
There are three chest clinics in the Borough. The Wandsworth
Chest Clinic is in the Municipal Buildings; the Balham Chest
Clinic is in St. James' Hospital; and the Battersea Chest Clinic is
in St. John's Hospital. Whereas the Wandsworth and Battersea
Chest Clinics deal mostly with patients living in the Borough, the
Balham Chest Clinic draws a great many patients from the adjoining
London Borough of Lambeth.
Statistics relating to tuberculosis will be found in Part 2 of this
report.
There is close liaison between the staffs of the Chest Clinics and
the Health Department, and there is satisfactory co-operation at
all levels. The social workers, tuberculosis visitors and administrative
assistants concerned with the after-care of patients suffering
from tuberculosis and other chest complaints are seconded from
the Health Department.
Additional benefits are provided for patients through the agencies
of the Battersea Chest Clinic Care Committee and the Wandsworth
Tuberculosis Care Committee, and I have pleasure in
appending reports on the activities of these two committees during
the year. I am glad to record my appreciation of their excellent
work which has continued throughout the year on behalf of their
patients.