View report page

BECKENHAM DISTRICT TUBERCULOSIS
CARE COMMITTEE
I have pleasure in submitting the following report forwarded to
me by Mr. M. E. Forster, the present Hon. Secretary of the above
Committee:-
"During the past year the Beckenham District Tuberculosis
Care Committee, which is associated with the Kent Council of
Social Service, continued its welfare work amongst the tubercular
patients and their families in the Borough of Beckenham.
It had been found that more help was required by patients
whilst they were at home, as they did not spend so much time in
hospitals or sanatoria, due to the improved treatment by drugs.
Patients who were recommended to the Committee by the
Chest Clinic were visited by one of the Liaison Officers, who were
authorised to spend up to £5 on immediate needs, but more
complicated cases were brought before the Committee at one of
their monthly meetings. Each case was given careful consideration
and the help provided covered a wide field. Below is a list of the
various assistance given.
Three families were sent away during the summer to
approved Holiday Homes for recuperation.
One patient was helped with railway fares for a holiday,
and two families were helped with fares to visit
patients in sanatoria.
One family was helped with house repairs, and one
family was helped with repairs to a water main.
One patient had his hire purchase debt settled, and three
other patients' outstanding debts were paid.
Four patients were granted free meat for periods ranging
from four weeks to 12 weeks.
One family was helped with moving furniture.
Two patients were assisted with clothing and one with
shoes.
One patient had his Car Tax paid and a Convector
Heater was purchased for another.
One patient had a rent debt settled and another had his
Electricity Bill paid.
In addition, the Committee have four Radio Sets which
they loan to patients, and at Christmas time some
34 patients received a Christmas Card and gift.
The Committee spent over £260 and to help offset this the
usual sale of id. Christmas Seals was organised, and next year it
is hoped that a Jumble Sale will be held.
22