Textbook for Almoners

Except for a brief summary of the development of medical social work in English hospitals and of the present status of practice and education, this is an enormously detailed handbook for the guidance of students and practitioners. Although directed to the practicing almoner, its tone is that of the preceptor, and the content is presented in an informal and elementary style. Instructions range from details regarding day by day job performance (including how to write letters) to specific guidance in such basic functions as "cooperating with the medical staff." Fully half the book is devoted to summary descriptions of the social agency services and social security benefits on which the hospital social worker may need to draw to secure necessary assistance for her patients. A concluding section defines and describes the diseases most likely to be encountered by a medical social worker with specific instruction regarding the kinds of social