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5
PREVENTION OF ILLNESS AND AFTER-CARE.
TUBERCULOSIS AFTER-CARE.
The following report on the work of the Almoner's Department
has been submitted by Miss Bridger, the After-Care
Almoner.
Arrangements for the year were the same as the latter half
of 1948.
Special grants continued to be paid through the National
Assistance Board to patients who had lost income to undergo
treatment for tuberculosis of the respiratory system.
On 31st December, 1948, there were 134 patients in receipt of
these grants, which are arranged through co-operation between
myself and the N.A.B. During 1949, 119 new cases were referred
and grants made, and .120 cases ceased to need assistance, leaving
a total of 133 at 31st December, 1949. Of the 120 cases taken off
assistance, 30 died, 43 returned to work, 24 were no longer in need
on admission to hospital, and 23 were either awarded pensions, or
left the district. In addition to regular weekly allowances, grants
for special needs arising out of exceptional circumstances were
obtained through the N.A.B. in 53 cases. These cases included
fares to visit relatives in hospital, clothing grants, help with
moving expenses where families were rehoused, and a cot and
pram for a new baby.
Considerable sums of money have been obtained from voluntary
funds, such as ex-Service sources and the B.R.C.S. Emergency
Help Scheme. Over £120 was raised by appealing on
individual cases, enabling patients and their families to enjoy a
number of comforts not provided by statutory funds. This money
covered such items as holidays for the patient's family, heavy
insurance or hire purchase commitments, wireless licences, and
clothing, where no help could be obtained from the N.A.B.
Assistance in kind has been given by the After-Care Committee.
Beds and bedding were loaned in 21 cases to enable
patients to sleep alone, and thus help to prevent the spread of
infection. This has proved of great value in view of the length
of the waiting list for institutional treatment. Garden shelters
have been lent to two patients where suitable garden space was
available.
Free milk has been provided in certain cases, and overseas
food parcels obtained through the B.R.C.S. at the rate of 30 a
month, in addition to the invalid food parcels for home-bound
ex-Service men.