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43 [1934
Report for the year 1934.
The year 1934 has been a propitious one for the Tuberculosis Care Committee
in that from April 1st it came under the purview of the Borough Council, who
appointed a paid Secretary and five of their own members to serve on it.
When the existing" tenancy of the office at 19, Compton Terrace came to an
end, accommodation was found in the Town Hall. This meant that the work could
be carried on there every day of the week, and therefore much more efficiently.
The fact that a hundred more cases have passed through the Committee's hands
than during the previous year is perhaps proof of this. The Secretary is able to
be in close touch with all Public Health officials, and it is felt that more intensive
work is now being carried on. The Committee are indebted to the Borough Council
for enabling this advance in their work to be made.
The decision of the London County Council to abolish the assessment and
collection of contributions for residential treatment from the beginning of August
was met with approval by the Committee, who felt that where a member of a
family had contracted tuberculosis extra money was needed for the better care of
the family and patient, thus putting these contacts in a better state of resistance
to prevent the spread of the disease. Incidentally, the abolition of the duty of
collecting contributions has left more time for care work.
The Handicraft Class had to be suspended for a time, much to the disappointment
of its members, owing to lack of funds, but through the kindness of the
Borough Council it was re-started later in the year, and is now being carried on
successfully. The allotment plot is also still being maintained.
The following are some examples of constructive care-work carried out during
the year :—
A.B. was a young boy away in Sanatorium. His father, a widower, was
unemployed, and another son was also away ill. He was provided with clothes
before admission to Sanatorium and whenever he needed them during his stay
there. A small brother appeared in poor health, so it was arranged he should have
convalescent treatment by the sea. He returned very much Improved in health
and has continued to keep well.
C.D. and E.D. were husband and wife, both in Sanatorium. Their income
during sickness did not suffice to pay the rent to keep the home going. The help
of the Charity Organisation was solicited and the balance needed was paid as long
as necessary, and temporary assistance was afforded to E.D. when she first
returned home.
G.H. was a married woman suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. She discharged
herself from hospital on account of domestic difficulties, and once home
w as unwilling to return, at any rate for the time being. Sleeping conditions were
unsatisfactory and domestic duties too heavy. A folding bedstead and bedding
were provided and the two younger children were boarded out. Later on G.H.
was persuaded to accept further hospital treatment.
I.J. was a single woman, aged 52, who was recommended Sanatorium treatment.
Her Sickness Benefit was sufficient to pay her rent whilst away, but she
had taken out certain insurance policies for benefit when she should retire from
w ork, and these she could not keep up. The help of the Friends of the Poor was
solicited and a weekly grant was made to her during her stay in Sanatorium to
enable her to continue her insurance contributions. Temporary help was also
given on her discharge.