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HOME HEALTH SERVICES.
In connection with the welfare of old people a Woman Welfare Officer is
employed whose main function it is to visit old people in their homes to assess
their needs and through liaison with the appropriate statutory and voluntary
bodies, including, if need be, removal to institution or hospital, with a
regular follow up to see that everything necessary is done. It is hoped that
this service will be increased. It is backed by the necessary clerical staff
and records, a domiciliary laundry service to handle soiled linen of incontinent
persons and the cleansing facilities of the Disinfecting Department.
MENTAL HEALTH.
Progression in the provision of Mental Health Services;
There is in the Borough a large hospital being developed as a psychiatric
unit. In view of the changed attitude towards mental ill health many patients
who have been long term inmates of mental hospitals are, as a result of new
treatment and techniques, now discharged home. Unfortunately, not all of them
are able to live integrated with a family unit, many are elderly and live alone.
In conjunction with the Psychiatric Staff, where appropriate, these persons
are included under the supervision of the Woman Welfare Officer. As part of
the hospital service a Day Hospital and Evening Hospital have been established,
and there is a reciprocal arrangement for the supervision of patients
referred to, or discharged from the hospital, which is fulfilling a valuable
need in that many of the patients do not require the supervision of a fully
trained psychiatric social worker. The provision of appropriate services by
liaison into the voluntary and statutory bodies through a unified channel,
has much to commend it.
HEALTH EDUCATION.
Members of the Public Health Staff give lectures and film shows to local
groups in order to stimulate interest in hygiene and matters of public health
interest. Advertising material published by the Central Council for Health
Education is freely distributed and displayed at Council Depots and elsewhere
as occasion arises. Its magazine "Better Health" has a free circulation amongst
youth groups and old people's clubs where it is likely to be an influence
and where it is clear that it is producing beneficial results.
The Council co-operate with the London County Council in all their Health
Education activities. In addition members of the Public Health Inspectorial
staff frequently give lectures to groups within factories, particularly in
relation to the hygienic handling of food in canteens and the proper maintenance
of satisfactory standards in kitchens. Periodically communications
are addressed to individual sections of the food trade, drawing attention
to the regulations and particular facets of hygiene, and, in general, all
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