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THE STAFF HEALTH SERVICE
During the year the staff medical service introduced a proviso in the questionnaire allowing
us to defer a final decision until six months' or a year's satisfactory work and sickness record.
There are many diseases such as anxiety, migraine, painful backs, etc., where a mere physical
examination cannot reveal either the extent of the disability or perhaps more important, the
sufferer's attitude towards it. In cases such as these a report from the Chief Officer has proved
invaluable.
I am most grateful to doctors both in hospitals and general practice, social workers and
many others who have given so generously their time to answer our enquiries.
EXEMPTION FROM PARKING METER CHARGES
During the year 69 applicants were dealt with. Of these one was refused exemption without
medical examination, 49 were examined and given permanent exemption and 8 seen and given temporary
exemption. They will be examined again in the future. 12 applicants examined were not granted exemption
from the scheme on medical grounds.
CERTIFICATION OF BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS
In accordance with the provisions of the National Assistance Act 1948 registers of blind
and partially-sighted persons are maintained by the Chief Welfare Officer. Persons so registered may
be eligible for supplementary benefits, aids or special training. The Medical Officer of Health is
responsible for medical aspects of registration and scrutiny of the B.D.8 form issued by the Ministry
of Health. This form summarises the results of the examination for admission to the register of blind
persons or to the register of partially-sighted persons, and is always completed by an ophthalmologist
of consultant status.
The Council engages the services of a consultant ophthalmologist for one session a week.
During each session she visits three patients in theirown homes. These patients may be new referrals
for possible registration or former patients for re-examination. Other B.D.8 forms are completed by
consultants in the hospital service, in return for which the Council pays a standard fee.
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