London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Fulham 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]
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Invalid Meals
Invalid Meals for London continue their vital service in delivering meals to
invalids needing special diets. A large proportion of the recipients are those over
65 years of age and meals are delivered on five days a week. The meals are prepared
at the Munster Road kitchen and are delivered only to those who qualify for them by
reason of their physical condition which has to be supported by a medical certificate.
The charge varies according to circumstances, the minimum being 1s. 4d. for each meal.
The two vans used for delivery work to full capacity and It is planned to employ
one further van shortly to meet the increased demand for the service.
Social Clubs
Old people's clubs in the Borough now number 13, 7 of which are run by the W.V.S.,
two by Bishop Creighton House and the remainder by other local voluntary organisations.
Two new clubs were opened during the year. Most of the clubs receive indirectly from
the Council some measure of financial assistance towards their expenses in providing
recreation and all their weekly meetings are well supported. Apart from the companionship
which these gatherings offer, the clubs are a useful means of disseminating
information which is of particular interest to elderly people. As in previous years
the Mayor and Mayoress visited the clubs from time to time and took a keen interest in
their activities.
Chiropody
Last year the Minister of Health authorised the extension of chiropody services
under Section 28(1) of the National Health Service Act, 1946, and the London County
Council besides increasing the number of sessions at its own foot clinics agreed to
bear the cost of chiropody services provided by voluntary agencies,
Particulars of the two chiropody clinics hitherto financed by the Committee and in future to be financed by the L.C.C. are given below:-
| Tuesdays | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Miss Hardman |
| " | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Mrs. Taylor |
| Tuesdays | 10 30 a.m. - 12. 30 p.m. | Mrs. Taylor |
| " | 1.30 p.m - 5 30 p.m. | Miss Hardman |
The number of treatments for the period 1st January. 1959 to 31st December, 1959. were as under:-
| British Red Cross Society | 588 |
| Bishop Creighton House | 625 |
During the year the Committee also inaugurated a domiciliary chiropody service
which enabled treatment to be given to old people too infirm to visit a clinic.
During the period July to December. 62 treatments were administered to 27 housebound
patients. The cost of this service is also being borne by the County Council.
Holiday Scheme
This scheme offers a seaside holiday at Broadstairs in good class boarding houses
at very reasonable terras to all Fulham residents over 60 years of age.
In the year under review 241 pensioners availed themselves of these facilities as
compared with 193 in the previous year and the periods and charges were as follows:-