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43
TUBERCULOSIS AFTER-CARE
I am indebted to Miss Bridger, Almoner of the Chest Clinic,
for the following reports:—
" During the year 1952, arrangements remained unchanged
in principle; statutory and voluntary help being used to complement
each other.
" There was a slight decrease in the number of patients who
received the special grants through the National Assistance
Board payable to those who have lost income in order to undergo
treatment for tuberculosis of the respiratory system. On
December 31st, 1951, there were 204 patients in receipt of these
grants which are arranged through co-operation between myself
and the N.A.B. During 1952, 134 new cases were referred and
157 cases ceased to need assistance, leaving a total of 183
receiving the allowances at December 31st, 1952. Of the patients
ceasing to receive these grants, 11 died, 99 returned to work,
21 were no longer in need of assistance upon admission to hospital,
and 10 were either awarded pensions or left the district. In
addition to these regular weekly allowances, special grants to
cover particular needs were obtained in 89 cases. These were
mainly to enable relatives to visit patients in hospitals a long way
off, to replace worn-out clothing for patients and their families;
or to cover removal expenses attendant upon rehousing.
" Assistance in kind continued to be given by the Local Health
Authority in the form of the loan of beds and bedding to
20 patients. This enabled them to start treatment at home whilst
awaiting hospital admission or to continue to occupy a separate
room, where advisable, after their discharge from Sanatorium.
Free milk has also been provided in the few instances where a
patient's income falls below a certain level. It has also been
possible to obtain from the British Red Cross Society parcels of
invalid foods for ex-Service pensioners who need them, and these
have been much appreciated.
Voluntary societies have been extremely generous in making
cash grants for individual patients whose needs have not been
entirely met by statutory provisions. Just on £300 in cash was
raised from such sources as ex-Service funds, British Red Cross,
trade and professional organisations, Friends of the Poor, and
local charities. This money has made all the difference to the
patients' comfort and has filled such needs as wireless licences and
repairs, an occasional outing, or such major items as help with
private school fees or essential furniture after a patient has been
rehoused.