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The choosing of cases for rehousing is no easy task and it is difficult to lay down any
rational set of rules for guidance. It would perhaps be best described as an exercise in the
art of medicine rather than a scientific process. Some of the patients rehoused will probably
not benefit greatly themselves, but one can imagine the improvement in a family where,
say, an ileostomy case has been given proper accommodation after having to share accommodation
with other families. There seems to be no limit to the surprises to be experienced
in carrying out an assessment. Some of the cases which apparently were the most deserving
and were recommended for rehousing were not rehoused. Enquiry showed that offers of
rehousing had been rejected. In one case of disseminated sclerosis three different premises
were offered and all turned down. There seem to be several factors which cause these
patients to turn down offers. One is the higher rent which may be charged for more adequate
premises, another is disappointment at not being offered completely new premises. Much
of the accommodation which the Council has to offer is pre-war and many prospective
tenants are disappointed if the offer is of anything other than entirely new premises. A
further important factor is that not only do people need to be rehoused for the reasons
indicated but they need to be rehoused in specific localities where their personal connections
will not be broken.
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