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 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]
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26
OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE IN FULHAM
SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE - QUESTIONNAIRE
The Health Department has been handicapped in planning the services for the old people by a
lack of accurate information on the needs of the elderly. In order to overcome this handicap, a
questionnaire, in the form of a returnable postcard, was delivered to every house (38,000) in Fulham
in July, 1963. These asked on which of the following services persons would like further information:-
Chiropody Home Bathing Holidays
' Friendly visits' Home Helps Meals
Luncheon Clubs
327 replies were received. The following table summarises the information received:-
| Service | Requests for Information |
|---|---|
| Chiropody | 219 |
| Home Bathing | 23 |
| Holidays | 65 |
| 'Friendly' Visits | 54 |
| Home Helps | 71 |
| Meals | 28 |
| Luncheon Clubs | 23 |
| TOTAL | 483 |
MEALS SERVICE
For many years the W.V.S operated a Meals on Wheels and Luncheon Club Service Due to
staffing difficulties the W.V.S. found itself unable to continue the Meals Service (except at the
Coronation Luncheon Club) and the Council took over the Service through the Health Department,
with effect from the 1st April, 1963.
Close co-operation was maintained between the W.V.S and the Health Department and this
enabled a smooth transfer to be made without disorganizing the Service, or causing hardship for the
recipients of the meals.
The Council has been able to employ paid staff and also to provide an additional delivery
vehicle and, as a result, the Service has expanded as the following table shows:-