View report page

19
AFTER-CARE OF TOE TUBERCULOUS PATIENT
As in previous years, the tuberculous patient has been followed up
not only at the Chest Clinics but with home visits. Help and advice have
again been given on finances and employment as well as on home and
personal problems.
The Croydon Care Committee has given invaluable help for some years
past, but in 1968 grants have had to be curtailed owing to lack of funds.
However, although unable to pay for holidays for needy patients and their
families, the Committee has continued to give help with extra fuel and
special needs, and in a year of rising costs this has been most helpful to
patients living on a low income. At Christmas the Care Committee issued
grocery vouchers to the value of £180 for distribution amongst Croydon and
Purley Chest Clinic Patients. Statutory benefits have been similar to those
existing last year except for an increase in the Supplementary grants. The
allowance from the Public Health Department for milk remains at £525, and
this money has been used to provide about 32 frail tuberculous patients with
1 pint of free milk daily.
Despite the efforts of the Disablement Resettlement Officer, it is still
difficult for the tuberculous patient, who is only fit for light work, to obtain
suitable employment. In certain cases arrangements have been made through
the Welfare Officer for the Handicapped for these patients to attend Waylands
Occupation Centre, and they may move on later to the Industrial Unit.
There have been a variety of personal and home problems over the past
year, and often help was needed so that difficulties did not retard the
patient's progress. The Home Help Service, Housing Department, District
Nurses and Children's Department have given excellent co-operation when
required, and there is no doubt that the liaison of all concerned, either
directly or indirectly, in the after-care of the tuberculous patient has again
proved to be very helpful.