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96
view and a review of the applications which have been dealt
with shows some change in the general situation.
"Many of those who required our help were longstanding
cases in the middle and upper age-groups, needing general
assistance over an indefinite period, with little likelihood of a
return to independence. On the other hand there were young
families where the patient might be expected to return to
employment, perhaps within a year, but where the problems
to be faced in the meantime were formidable. These problems
were particularly difficult to resolve in instances where housepurchase
had been undertaken as the only means of obtaining
a home for a growing family, the sudden illness of the bread'
winner creating a situation which could not adequately be
covered by the statutory services. In such cases a good deal of
financial help was required to enable the patient to settle down
to the required period of treatment without undue worry, and
constant contact with the family had to be maintained."
"During the period covered by this report, 142 persons
received material assistance as follows :
Type of help given. No. of cases Cost
£
Milk 4 21
Grocery 42 727
Fuel 50 170
Fares to visit 9 43
Clothing, furniture, bedding 44 120
Holidays 9 122
Handicrafts 5 8
Miscellaneous grants:
(Rent, rates, debts, etc.) 112 156
"The fact that a great deal of publicity has been given
to the fall in the death-rate from tuberculosis, has obscured the
fact that there are actually more people requiring our help, and
has given the impression that financial help is no longer needed.
As a result of his there has been a falling-off in local revenue,
particularly as regards the Christmas Seal Sale, the income from
which has dropped to an extent which is not entirely attributable
to the many other seals now available.
"Although we have not, so far, had to restrict the help
we give, any further reduction in local support would make the
future position precarious. In spite of the widespread
impression that tuberculosis is no longer a problem, for the
individual or family concerned, life, for them, is far from
simple. Recent statistical returns show that there has actually