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89
Report on Work of the Tuberculosis Care Committee, 1 932.
We have to report with great regret, the deaths of Miss Pay
and Mr. Peters. Miss Pay represented the Invalid Children's
Association ; she was a most regular attendant at the meetings,
and took a keen and practical interest in the work. Mr. Peters
represented the Friendly Societies, and although he was unable
to attend the meetings as often as he would have wished to do,
never lost an opportunity of evincing his interest in the work.
We shall miss them both.
That the past year has, owing to existing conditions, been one
of the most difficult encountered for some time, will, we think, be
generally conceded. Many, to whom poverty has, hitherto, been
only a name, are now experiencing it, and the consequent strain and
fret has had its effect. Our help has been needed more than ever.
With the aid of the many kindly societies—who co-operate with
us so effectively—we have, to some small extent, been able to
assist those for whom we are working. Casual and temporary
aid, however, which so often is all that we can give, merely
touches the fringe of our problem. A consistently good standard
of living, together with better accommodation for tuberculous
patients and family, is needed, to produce lasting and effective
results. Each of these two factors have, for many years, been
the great stumbling block in the way of progress. Some there
are, of course, who have these advantages, but unfortunately
there is a large proportion who have not. Because of the
conditions they return to, many of our patients do not get a fair
chance to continue the good work begun at sanatorium. It should
therefore be the aim and object of all to work for a better state
of affairs, as a means to a very desirable end, and we feel that
we have a right to call on them to do so.
Every year we realise more and more that prevention should
be our great concern. Unfortunately, the well are let alone too
much, until they too become victims, and eligible for care and
attention. The National Association for the prevention of
Tuberculosis is drawing attention to this side of Care Work, and
by its very title, reminds the general public that it is a work in
which all can share. " Care Work " was one of the principle
topics of discussion at their Conference this year, and our Chairman