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The functions of this Committee were indicated in a circular issued by the Ministry of
Health to be as follows:— "The primary duty of the Committee should be to consider the
economic position of the family of every patient suffering from tuberculosis as soon as he
comes within the purview of the dispensary scheme, and to render such advice and assistance as
the circumstances of the case dictate, with a view to enabling the family to adjust their
circumstances to the new conditions, to maintain their economic independence, and to derive
the fullest possible advantage from the medical treatment prescribed. Certain kinds of
assistance may be needed in particular cases, viz., additional food, change of air, clothing,
better home conditions, more suitable occupation ; the provision of financial or other assistance,
when necessary, for the family of a patient who is under treatment in a residential
institution, or temporarily for a patient and his family on his return home from such an
institution. Where the necessity for financial assistance arises, it can be better provided
through the agency of existing charitable or public organisations than from a fund administered
by the Care Committee, and in such cases it should be the function of the Care Committee
to bring the family into touch with the appropriate organisation. A subsidiary, but
important, function is to undertake, on behalf of the London County Council, the assessment
of charges made in respect of residential treatment afforded to children and to adults whose
income exceeds a certain figure. It is important, however, to secure that the activities of Care
Committees are not absorbed by the routine work falling under this head, to the detriment of
the main functions which are mentioned above."
The Care Committee were fortunate in 1928 in securing the services of Miss Whelon as
Hon. Secretary. Since her appointment, not only is the routine work ably and actively carried
out, but, thanks to her energy and initiative, a large number of necessitous patients have been
helped with clothing and other requisites in order to enable them to accept institutional treatment,
and also to assist them when discharged from various institutions.
The following particulars concerning the work of the Committee and the cases dealt
with have been supplied by the Hon. Secretary—Miss Whelon: —
Tuberculosis Care Committee.
Report for year 1931.
" The work of the Committee has proceeded on the usual lines throughout the year.
In February the Committee suffered a serious loss in the resignation of its Chairman,
Mr. Neal, who had acted in that capacity since 1923. The Committee would like to
take this opportunity of placing on record its appreciation of his keen interest and
unfailing help in its work.
In March Councillor Mrs. Alliston consented to be nominated as his successor and
was unanimously elected to the position of Chairman. To meet her convenience it
was arranged to hold Committee meetings fortnightly instead of weekly as heretofore.
Total number of cases considered by the Tuberculosis Care Committee . . 192
37 cases were assessed at sums varying from £1 to 1s.
111 cases were assessed as free from contribution.
In addition to this, it has been necessary in 44 cases to keep in touch with
families ; to review the circumstances and assist with advice and help when possible.
Cases considered for Dentures.
The total number considered was eight cases of which 5 were assessed free.
1 case was assessed at £3.
1 case was assessed at £2 5s. 10d.
1 case was assessed at £1 1s. 8d.