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(32)
FOOT CLINIC.
Three whole-time chiropodists, two ladies and a gentleman,
are employed in these clinics. The fee for treatment is two
shillings per attendance, which is subject to reduction in the
case of inability to pay the full fee. Patients are seen by appointment
only. Treatment is given for corns, callosities, bunions,
ingrowing and thickened toenails, warts and other similar affections
of the feet. Orthopaedic cases are not treated and are
referred to private practitioners or to hospital.

During the whole of this year in addition to the whole-time
chiropodists, one part-time chiropodist (Miss Lewis) has been
employed. Even with this additional help the clinics have usually
been fully booked up with appointments for at least a fortnight
ahead, and in some cases for three weeks. The total number of
treatments given shows an increase of 1,500 as compared with
last year, and of about 500 as compared with 1934, but I am of the
opinion that the employment of a part-time chiropodist is a
satisfactory method of meeting this situation, and that it would
not be wise at present to appoint an additional whole-time officer.
The time-table of these clinics will be found at the end of this
report, and it should be noted that for the convenience of patients
sessions have been opened both at Bryan House and at White s
Grounds.
It may appear to many readers of this report that the treatment
of foot ailments, very minor ailments in most cases, is hardly
an activity in which the Public Health Department should be
concerned. In support of the view which the Borough Council
took in establishing these clinics I would submit the facts that