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62
OTHER PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES
There are also numerous personal health services provided
which benefit persons other than mothers and young children,
and these are summarized below.

Home Bathing Service
This service is closely linked with the Home Nursing Service so
as to make the best possible use of both trained and untrained
staff. It is greatly appreciated by many elderly people and provides
help for those not requiring full nursing care.
Incontinence Pads Service
Home nursing of incontinent persons is made much easier by
means of this service and a growing number of patients are being
supplied with incontinence pads. Various types are available and
are supplied according to need and during the year a total of 6,600
pads were issued. In addition, 35 persons were provided with
protective pants and interliners. Most households make their own
arrangements for disposal but in some cases it is necessary to
arrange for collection and disposal by incineration.
A laundry service for incontinent persons is also provided where
necessary and this is referred to on page 45.
Loan of Equipment
To ensure the efficient nursing of patients in their own homes the
Council operates a scheme for lending, without charge, equipment
as distinct from those items which can be prescribed by general
practitioners. During 1966 the following articles were issued on
loan : 206 commodes
60 wheelchairs
31 walking aids
16 hoists
19 rubber sheets
23 backrests
14 hospital beds with mattresses
6 fracture boards
14 bed cradles
3 ripple beds