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127
The Committee's Work.
The Committee consider cases recommended by the Tuberculosis
Borough Dispensary for Hospital or Sanatorium treatment under the
London County Council.
They recommend what charge should be made (if any) towards the
cost of treatment. The families of 78 adults and 25 children have
contributed sums from 1/- to 20/- according to the income of the family.
The heads of the families are interviewed and, if in need, referred to
various Societies for help, if in need of clothes to go away in, care of the
children if the mother is the patient, allowances in lieu of the father's
wages if he is the one to go, pocket money for single patients who have
no resources during their treatment in institutions. Extra nourishment
is given by the advice of the medical officer to cases waiting to go away
and for a short time on their return. All cases are visited by members
of Committee after their return to see if help is needed. The extra
nourishment is granted by the Ministry of Health, and is the only fund
possessed by the Committee. Help as described above has been obtained
from the United Services Fund, the Red Cross, the Charity Organisation
Society, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society, the Royal Naval
Benevolent Trust, the Society for Relief of Distress, various regimental
funds, the Mayor of Southwark, private individuals, the Board of
Guardians, and the Invalid Kitchens.
We work in close co-operation with the Invalid Children's Aid
Society, who undertake all interviews and enquiries and collection of
contributions on the children's cases.
We wish to thank all the Societies and individuals for the interest
taken and help given—in many cases going on for many months, as in
the case of T. W., who was at St. Luke's, Lowestoft, from October, 1928,
to August, 1929. The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, through S.S.H.S.
and a private individual, gave an allowance for his wife and child all the
time. He came home much better, S.S.H.S. helped till he was able to
work, and paid up his Union to help him to get it. Help was continued
at intervals till December, when he started in regular work.
It is often very difficult for men and boys to get work on their
return from Sanatorium. Burrow Hill Colony now gives a splendid
opportunity for boys from 14 to 18, who get combined treatment and
training. We have sent one boy there, a war orphan, whose mother has