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64
AFTER-CARE.
Tuberculosis in the great majority of instances is a curable
infection provided the patient is seen sufficiently early, undergoes
sanatorium treatment and subsequently is able to pass his life
under reasonably hygienic conditions.
It is with regard to the latter that the activities of the Aftercare
Association in this district particularly exist consisting inter
alia in providing special splints, clothing, boots, nourishment,
etc., for necessitous cases and in obtaining if possible suitable
homes and employment for the tuberculous.
During the year 16 new cases were so assisted, whilst 23 old
cases were further assisted from the previous year.
The funds of the Association are mainly dependent upon :—
(a) Essex Insurance Committee.
(b) Romford Board of Guardians.
(c) Annual donations from certain Friendly Societies and
Trade Unions.
(d) Donations from various local Sports Clubs.
(e) Donations from private individuals and from proceeds
raised at Whist Drives and Dances organised by the
Social Sub-Committee.
Equally important in the matter of after-care is that of dealing
with the large number of advanced cases who are, in the
majority of instances, in a highly infectious condition and net
infrequently living under overcrowded home conditions. for
these practically no remedy hitherto existed, except the workhouse,
but by virtue of Section 62 of the Public Health Act, 1925,
local health authorities have become vested with powers where, in
the opinion of the Medical Officer of Health the conditions of a
tuberculous patient at home are inimical to the best interests of a
his or her dependents, to secure such patient's removal compulsorily
pr otherwise to a suitable institution and to there detain