View report page

91
For very many of our people, the past year has been hard and
difficult. For our most needy cases we have as usual applied to
our friends and to appropriate societies for help. The response
to our appeals is most cheering and encouraging, and clearly shows
that the claims of tuberculous persons for special sympathetic
consideration is recognised. For their kindness and generosity
we tender our most heartfelt thanks. With the help extended,
much has been accomplished; beds, blankets, clothing, extra
nourishment, special allowances spread over lengthy periods, and
fares to hospitals have been provided—these to our sick people
have a value beyond the mere material one. It is so often said,
It is nice to feel that someone is thinking of you."
In view of the increasing need for small emergency grants, the
Committee decided, during the latter part of the year, to raise a
fund to meet this demand. The amount in hand is very limited
at present, and is only available when immediate help is urgently
required. In many cases that we deal with the "little" at the
right moment means "so much," that already we have had cause
to bless this fund.
Five children have been boarded out under the London County
Council's Contact Scheme. The operation of the scheme in these
particular cases removed a load of anxiety from the parent's
minds, and has been most helpful to all concerned.
Our Chairman was, this year, elected Chairman of the Standing
Conference of Metropolitan Borough Tuberculosis Care Committees,
for the third time in succession. This, we think, may
be accepted as evidence that his practical sympathy and interest
in the general work and welfare of the Committees is appreciated.
Through the Conference, a visit to the Pinewood Sanatorium
was arranged; 29 members joined the party, and 13 Committees,
including Deptford, were represented. The representatives could
not fail to be impressed with the beautiful situation of the Sanatorium,
the general management, and the particular care given to
patients by the Medical Superintendent.
Inevitably, however, our thoughts turn to the homes that some
of these men, women and children, who have been given such a
wonderful start on the road to recovery in these well-equipped