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49
While these patients were admitted for these reasons, it
does not, of course, mean that all of this type of case was
included. For instance, the 10 cases admitted for overcrowding
are 10 cases present in crowded homes which occurred while
there was an empty bed available for the reception of that
patient. There would be many other cases of just as great
hardship, but if occurring at a time when there were no
beds, could not be admitted. Similarly the three cases admitted
on account of poverty, do not represent all the patients whose
fathers were unemployed.
Many cases of hardship arose and applications were received
by the Council for requests for assistance. The following is an
extract of a report submitted to the Council:—
"applications can be divided into the following
groups
1 For assistance in payment for medical attendance, for medical
necessities and food in connection with the disease from
(a) persons in receipt of poor-law relief.
These would seem to be definitely the responsibility
of the Guardians.
b) persons in receipt of unemployment benefit.
These are financially comparable to the previous
group and would seem similarly to be a responsibility
of the Guardians.
c) Those who are in employment, and who ordinarily
can just pay their way, but for whom an illness of
tliis nature makes impossible demands on the
family purse.
Some of these people come under the qualification
of " destitute," in that they are unable to obtain
at their "own cost the requisite medical attendance
and nursing. For these it seems the duty
of the Guardians to make provision. While this
duty exists however in destitute cases, the definition
of destitution is no doubt one to be left to
the Guardians.
2. Cases where, owing to domestic difficulties, nursing assistance
has to be called in. In such cases it may be argued
that these are cases for the Guardians, as the application
is received owing to financial distress; or it may be the moral
responsibility of the Local Authority acting in these cases
under their power under Sec. 67 Public Health Act Amendment
Act 1907. " The Local Authority may provide nurses