Twentieth annual report and accounts : 1933 / The Homes of St. Giles.

  • Homes of St. Giles (London, England)
Date:
1934
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Twentieth annual report and accounts : 1933 / The Homes of St. Giles. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    7/48 (page 5)
    Report of the Executive Committee. ^ I HE year 1933 has been one of the most difficult and critical ^ through which the Homes have passed since their inception. The financial state of the country and the general economic depression have caused a marked falling off in subscriptions and donations, while the cost of upkeep has rather increased than diminished, and it has only been with difficulty that the Committee has been able to balance its budget. Since the regretted retirement of Mother Clare in 1932 many difficulties have been encountered in respect of internal administration. These are fortunately now all things of the past and the work of the Homes is being happily and efficiently carried on by Mother Mary Elizabeth. Father Harold Smith has succeeded Father Hardy as Chaplain. The Community has been strengthened during the past few months and is taking its part in the nursing and care of the patients with great devotion. At the end of 1933 our patients were ten in number, two women and eight men. Two of the latter were admitted during the year, one a soldier who had served in India and South Africa, and the other a native of Malta. Three out-patients, in whom the disease is inactive, receive periodic treatment and advice. The patients’ general health has varied as it usually does, chiefly as the result of climatic changes. In spite of the medical skill and care and the use of the most up-to-date remedies, we are unable to report any case of cure, though in several there has been much alleviation of suffering. Every effort is made to provide occupation for those who are well enough to do any sort of work, as this has a helpful influence on their general . health and mental outlook. One is specially interested in wireless, another in breeding pigs, a third has a large chicken run, while two more find their interest in gardening. A small greenhouse has been put up for their use and encouragement. We have suffered a great loss in the death of our oldest patient, a native of Iceland, beloved and admired by all with whom he came in contact. He went to sea at eighteen, and spent an adventurous youth in whalers in the Arctic. Later he became naturalized as a British subject and worked in the docks in Aberdeen. He was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s medal on two occasions for saving life from drowning. His courage, patience and courtesy through years of suffering and increasing disability can never be forgotten.