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17
B.C.G. Vaccination Vaccination
The use of B.C.G. vaccination for contacts has been continued during
1969 and regular sessions were held at the Clinic for this purpose. 395
contacts were successfully vaccinated during the year. In addition 7 nurses
and domestics were successfully vaccinated, and 30 babies of tuberculous
parents were vaccinated in hospital during the neonatal period.
B.C.G. Vaccination for School Leavers.
Total number of children skin tested 3,870
Number found to be negative 3,018
Number vaccinated with B.C.G. 3,002
For detailed figures see Appendix page 135.
AFTER-CARE OF THE TUBERCULOUS PATIENT
The tuberculous patient may need encouragement, reassurance and
practical help. Fears can be alleviated by a home visit or a financial query
solved by advice regarding statutory benefits.
Over the past year heating costs have again been a major problem for
the person living on a low income and the help given by the Croydon Care
Committee has been much appreciated. This Committee has made grants for
fuel, helped with the settlement of electricity and gas accounts and has
given assistance with special needs. At Christmas they issued £120 grocery
vouchers which were distributed amongst needy patients attending Croydon
and Purley Chest Clinics. An allowance of £525 from the Public Health
Department for milk has been used to provide certain patients with one pint
of free milk daily. These patients are mainly elderly who find it a struggle
to afford nourishing foods.
There has been little change in the employment position for the tuberculous
patient. Light jobs for the more elderly and unskilled workers remain
scarce, but for others the position is much easier. Patients seeking work
are referred to the Disablement Resettlement Officer who gives all guidance
possible. Certain patients needing sheltered employment attend the Industrial
Unit and others who are unfit for wcrk can have occupational therapy at
home or they may be referred to the Occupation Centre.
Sometimes the patient has to rest as much as possible, but for the
mother of a family or a person living alone, this recommendation can be
difficult to carry out. However, once again the Home Help Service has given
valuable assistance in such cases.Helpful contacts with the Children's
Department, District Nursing Association and Housing Department have also
been made, and with the cooperation of all concerned the after-care work of
the trterculous patient has continued throughout the year.