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BECKENHAM DISTRICT TUBERCULOSIS
CARE COMMITTEE
The following report has been submitted by Mr. M. E. Forster,
Hon. Secretary of the above Committee, to whom I express my thanks.
" 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 has still been found, as last year, that more help was
required by patients whilst they were at home, as they did not spend
so much time in Hospitals or Sanitoria, 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 have
authority 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.
Two families were sent away during the summer to
approved Holiday Homes for recuperation .
Three families were helped with fares to visit patients in
Sanitoria.
One family was helped with house repairs.
One patient's outstanding debt was paid.
Four patients were granted free meat for periods ranging
from 4 weeks to 12 weeks.
Two patients were assisted with clothing and two with
shoes.
One patient had his Car Tax paid and an Oil Heater was
purchased for another.
Three patients were helped with coal or coke.
One patient was provided with lino and another a mattress
A car was hired to take one patient for an outing ; also
four patients received emergency help.
In addition, the Committee have three Radio Sets which
they loan to patients, and at Christmas time some
38 patients received a Christmas Card and Gift.
The Committee spent over £320 and to help offset this the
usual sale of ½d. Christmas Seals was organised ; also a Jumble
Sale was held."
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