View report page

112
the London County Council in 1932 was 15.8 weeks. This refers
only to those who began treatment in that year. Many of these
patients will remain in institutions during varying periods of 1933—
some will probably remain the whole year. The ultimate averages are
therefore to be reckoned as considerably higher. It should also be
remembered that a good many patients took their discharge before
completion of treatment, thereby reducing the possible averages.
The Work of the Care Committee.
The Secretary for Care work has compiled the following figures
and items of information in relation to some of the care work in 1932.
65 Dispensary patients received extra diet (Borough Scheme).
10 patients received dentures from the Tuberculosis Dispensary
Dental Scheme of the Borough. Approved Societies contributed
part in the case of the Insured, and patients who could afford it
paid a little.
158 cases were specially helped in their application to the
Public Assistance Committee for assistance. Thus patients received
relief in money, food, extra diet, convalescence, clothes, etc.
6 cases were assisted in their application to the British Red
Cross Emergency Fund. Thus pensioners received such assistance
as money, clothing, sick room necessities, etc.
13 cases were assisted in their application to the United Services
Fund. In this way ex-Service men or their families obtained money,
clothing, beds, convalescence, etc.
We assisted the London County Council in many ways in
making arrangements for the institutional treatment of 332 patients.
We did our best to settle all difficulties that threatened to
bring patients home from sanatoria too soon.
We co-operated with the Charity Organisation Society in 16
cases and with the Invalid Children's Aid Association in 96 cases.
We co-operated with many families in whom there was a
tuberculous member in endeavouring to obtain homes for them on
the new housing estates of the London County Council and elsewhere.
Patients were advised on questions concerning their employment,
and we endeavoured to put them on the right track with
regard to that difficult matter.
We obtained bedside comforts for several advanced cases.
Other patients were helped from private sources, for example
in the way of clothing, boots, etc.
To a large number of patients personal help in discussing
difficulties was given.
The Handicraft Class. This class was started by the Care
Committee in November, 1932. Permission was received from the
Public Health Committee to use a room at the Dispensary for the
purposes of the class. The object of the class is to provide occupational
therapy as an important factor in relieving the monotony of