View report page

- 24 -
invaluable assistance it continues to receive from many voluntary sources.
The Friends of the Centre continue to run the next-door hostel which houses
a number of boarders and they have contributed generously in other ways.
The King Edward's Hospital Fund paid for the installation of heaters under
the garden verandah which enable the children to reap the benefits of
fresh air even on cold days. A generous legacy enabled the central heating
system to be modernised and extended. Many other volunteers assist in
escort duties, transportation and in helping to care for the children at
the hydrotherapy pool, classrooms etc.
During the year, two six-weeks courses in cerebral palsy were held
for qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists,
representative of many different countries and one post-graduate medical
course was attended by more than 60 doctors from this country and abroad.
During the year, well over 500 visitors were conducted round and saw
some of the work which has earned for the Centre an international reputation.
WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
The investigation of the circumstances and living conditions of
each old person is undertaken by the Council's Welfare Officer and, in
this connection, 1,676 re-visits were made to 1,317 old people on the
register and 173 new cases came to the notice of the department.
Additional visiting by the British Red Cross Society, the Women's
Voluntary Services and the St. John Ambulance Brigade in connection with
the delivery of meals, recreation and personal cleansing, is of great
value and provides a constant liaison with the Public Health Department.
Grant
The Borough Council makes a grant of £2,000 per annum to the Chelsea
Old People's Welfare Committee.
Chiropody - Old People's Clinic
1,692 treatments were given at the Chelsea Community Centre which
is staffed by London County Council chiropody students. This is a twice
weekly service and is free to the pensioners.
Chiropody - Domiciliary Service
182 persons received 783 treatments given by two qualified chiropodists
working six days a month between them. All applicants are approved by the
Welfare Officer before informing the British Red Cross Society who
administer the service.
Incontinent Laundry
Soiled linen is collected twice weekly from the homes of incontinent
persons, and delivered to Fulham's disinfecting station where it is laundered
and later collected for return to those using the scheme. During the year.