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
Bromley 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]
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65
REPORT OF THE CHIEF WELFARE OFFICER
Services for the Disabled
The year under review was eventful in the field of services
for the disabled mainly because of the introduction of the Chronically
Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.
This Act, introduced into Parliament as a Private Members
Bill, places a greater responsibility on Local Authorities to recognise
and provide adequate services for the disabled.
The full implications of the Act will not be felt until the
appropriate Statutory Instruments are issued. However, it is expected
that a greater demand will be made on the services provided
by Local Authorities due to the publicity generated by the
introduction of the legislation.
(a)
The number of persons on the registers have varied since last year as follows:—
| Blind | Partially Sighted | Physically Handicapped | Deaf | Hard of Hearing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 512 | 242 | 1,303 | 65 | 59 |
| 1970 | 494 | 268 | 1,600 | 64 | 60 |
Holidays—During 1970, 225 (113 physically handicapped, 112
blind persons) enjoyed holidays under the Local Authority Scheme.
Instead of an assessed service these holidays are now provided at
a fixed charge of £3.50 a week to each client.
Aids and Appliances—The Local Authority continued to
provide aids and appliances to the disabled. These can vary from
simple pick-up sticks costing 25p to a hydraulic hoist costing £90.
This year £2,300 was spent on new stocks of these appliances.
Adaptations—Under this Authority's adaption scheme £5,800
was spent during 1970. In two cases substantial costs were involved
in the adaptation of client's homes in order that renal
dialysis equipment could be installed. It is expected that in future
years the commitment on adaptations relating to dialysis equipment
will increase in number as hospitals attempt to discharge
patients to their homes for treatment.
Transport—The demands on the special vehicles for the
disabled continue to increase. The Department are looking