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57
Tuberculosis Dispensaries.
In 1931 486 cases were visited and interviewed by the Secretary.
65 cases were referred to and helped by the various exservice
organisations. About 30 per cent. of the cases sent to
Institutions were supplied with clothing, either from the stock
collected by the Committee or purchased out of the voluntary fund.
The amount spent on clothing was £11 18s. 2d. The Committee
arranged for the boarding out of five children in order to enable
their parents to enter an Institution. The Secretary is able to
assist and advise patients in regard to their Health and Unemployment
Insurance. In several cases where benefit was not
payable because the contributions were in arrears assistance
was granted from the voluntary fund. The patients were thus
enabled to draw benefit.
Handicraft Class.—Several years ago the Committee
organised a Handicraft Class where persons suffering from tuberculosis,
who have already received Institutional treatment, are
able to to learn certain branches of handicraft and to make articles
which they can sell. The value of handicraft in the treatment
of tuberculosis has been recognised for a considerable time as
it enables patients to do something useful and gives them an
occupation when they are unable to enter the ordinary labour
market. The Handicraft Class is maintained by the Committee's
fund. It meets at 79, East Hill, Wandsworth, every Tuesday
morning 10.30 to 12.30 and is in charge of Miss Fone who is a
trained Instructress in the crafts taught. These are leather,
pewter and parchment work, embroidery and the making of fancy
stools. After deducting the cost of material the profit on a
particular article made at the Class goes to the patient who has
made it. The class is much appreciated by the patients, who
attend as regularly as their health will allow.
The attendances at the Handicraft Class during 1931 increased
considerably over those of previous years. A successful
sale of work was held in April at the Carpenter's Hall, under
the auspices of the Standing Conference of Metropolitan Boroughs'
Tuberculosis Care Committees.