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1,154 visits have been paid to the homes of patients by the Secretary.
No friendly visitor need feel unwelcome. One must assume that the
foundations of public work and visitation have been well and truly
laid in Deptford. There is so little suspicion or mistrust to overcome.
1,087 persons have been interviewed at the dispensary by the
Secretary. Perhaps a brief summary of a series of interviews that
occurred one morning during this year may illustrate what these figures
stand for—
(1) Patient recommended to go away for treatment; would not go
unless arrangements could be made for the care of five of her children
while she was away. Could we advise her? Case was gone into to
see if relations or friends could take charge of them; this was impossible
and the Guardians were approached. The matter was arranged, and
the patient accepted treatment.
(2) Patient called to tell us that she was afraid that she would have
to undergo an operation, was feeling worried and nervous. A little chat
and an expression of sympathy sent her away feeling more cheerful.
(3) Relative of patient who was dying at home called to ask if we
could provide a bed rest. A depot was telephoned to and arrangements
made for the provision of a bed rest the same day at a nominal charge
of threepence a week.
(4) Mother, with young patient just returned from sanatorium,
attended dispensary, interviewed, and enquiries made in order to
ascertain whether the mother could provide the girl with sufficient
nourishing food.
(5) Another patient recommended to go away for treatment referred
to us by the Tuberculosis Officer as she would not go away unless
arrangements could be made for the care of her young children. This
also was a case where there were no relations who could help. The
Guardians again came to the rescue and the patient went away.
(6) Patient receiving extra nourishment referred by Tuberculosis
Officer with renewal form. Order sent to dairy for continuation of
grant, and friendly enquiries made as to how she was getting on.
(7) Sister of a patient lately returned from sanatorium called and
asked us to treat her visit as confidential. Would we call and see
patient. She was anxious to return to sanatorium as a maid but would
not ask herself. The outcome of this was that at our request the
Matron engaged the girl.