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115
To illustrate the scope of the work of the Committee, the Secretary, Miss Sargent, has
kindly selected specimen cases which are here appended: —
Specimen Cases:—
A. Was first seen at Brompton Hospital and recommended for sanatorium treatment.
He was a waiter and actually working at the time but his earnings were very low
and he looked ill and under-nourished. He had a wife and two small children (one
a baby in arms); the rent was high and payments on furniture still further reduced
the amount available for food. As A. came from Scotland, he was referred to the
Royal Scottish Corporation for assistance which was given during the whole period
of his treatment in sanatorium: extra nourishment was given from the Town Hall
until he went away: an outfit of clothing was granted by the London County
Council, and a fortunate encounter provided the money to pay off the whole of
the amount owing on the furniture. On his return from sanatorium, A. was able
to sign on the Labour Exchange, and the National Association granted an allowance
for four weeks whilst he was looking for suitable work. He was not very fortunate
at first and only had odd days, but just as he felt at the end of his resources and
had agreed to apply for Public Assistance, he obtained work in the country and is
holding his job.
B. Was in Fulham Hospital when we first heard of him early in the year. He was
notified and was given a period in sanatorium, and at first it seemed as if no help
was required as he had no dependants and his insurance benefit more than covered
the rent of his fiat. Before he was discharged, however, his insurance had dropped
to half and this was not sufficient tc meet his expenses. The Public Assistance
Committee were not able to help while the patient was in sanatorium as he had not
been in receipt of Relief before his admission to Hospital.
We referred the case to the Charity Organisation Society, one of whose visitors
went to see B. in sanatorium and they agreed to co-operate with the Care
Committee in keeping on the flat until he should be discharged, when i: would be
possible for him to apply for Public Assistance should he not be able to work.
Actually, when B. came home he arranged to move out to Ealing and the flat was
given up, the move being paid for by the Charity Organisation Society and the
Care Committee.
C. Came to the Dispensary in the spring and was at once recommended for sanatorium
treatment. He had been off work for some months and was only eligible for 9/National
Health Insurance owing to arrears of stamps. His father had been ill for
many months and was only on disablement benefit, bu': had gone to Manchester
to a brother's, where he hoped eventually to find light work. The only other
source of income was the rent of a cottage in the country which brought in 9/a
week. Extra nourishment was given from the Town Hall and help was obtained
from the Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Families' Association, which continued
help until the father was actually in work and able to send a little home. When
the patient was discharged in the autumn, extra nourishment was again given and
as there seemed a prospect of a light job materialising for him near Manchester and
the family wanted to be re-united, they were helped to move north by the Charity
Organisation Society, the Care Committee paying up the arrears of insurance
stamps so as to keep C. in benefit.