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
Wandsworth 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]
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69
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 Nursing Service
A total of 3,688 persons was nursed during the year and the following table shows their age groups and the number of visits made : —
| Age | First visits | Revisits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 148 | 426 | 634 |
| 5-64 years | 1,083 | 26,854 | 27,937 |
| 65 years and over | 2,457 | 99,150 | 101,607 |
| All ages | 3,688 | 126,490 | 130,178 |
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 the number of patients being supplied
with incontinence pads has increased considerably. Various types
are available and are supplied according to need and during the
year a total of 28,900 pads were issued, which is more than four
times as many as in the previous year. In addition, 82 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 51.
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. The number of occasions on which articles were
issued on loan during the year is shown below : —
Air rings 12
Beds (hospital or cot) 15
Back rests 15