View report page

22
The remaining 1d. per meal plus the cost of transport were borne by the Committee out
of the borough council's grant.
So far as the Meals on Wheels service is concerned, there is regular contact with
hospitals, doctors and local organisations, statutory and voluntary, in an endeavour
to satisfy the needs of old people who, through infirmity or illness, find difficulty
in providing themselves with a hot meal at a price they can afford. Difficulty has
again been experienced by the W.V.S. in recruiting voluntary help for the delivery
service. There is an obvious need to increase the number of dinners supplied under
the Meals on Wheels service and it is a great pity that in spite of appeals made from
time to time more volunteers do not come forward to lend a hand in this vital service.
Invalid Meals
The Invalid Meals for London continues its delivery of meals to pensioners
needing special diets. The service operates on five days a week and whilst not
exclusively for elderly persons pensioners form a large proportion of the recipients.
The meals are prepared at the Munster Road Kitchen and are delivered only to those
who qualify for them by reason of their physical condition which has to be supported
by a medical certificate. The charge made varies according to circumstances, the
minimum charge for each meal being 1s. 4d.
Chiropody
For some years the Committee has financed a scheme to provide chiropody treatment
for elderly persons and at the present time clinics are held on the premises of the
British Red Cross Society and Bishop Creighton House, as follows -
British Red Cross Society, 52 New King's Road, S.W.6.
Day Time Chiropodist
Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Miss Hardman
" 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Mrs. Taylor
Bishop Creighton House 378, Lillie Road, S.W.6.
Day Time Chiropodist
Tuesdays 10.30 a. m. - 12.30 p.m. Mrs. Taylor
1.30 p. m. - 5.30 p. m. Miss Hardman
The number of treatments for the period 1st January, 1958 to 31st December, 1958,
were as under: -
British Red Cross Society 530
Bishop Creighton House 473
At the time of issue of this report, the Minister of Health has authorised that
he is now prepared to approve proposals by local health authorities to provide or
extend chiropody services under Section 28(1) of the National Health Service Act,
1946. This announcement is widely welcomed by old people's organisations throughout
the country who have for some time brought pressure to bear on the Ministry to
sanction expenditure by local health authorities themselves on this important service.
The effect of this measure will be that as far as London is concerned the London
County Council will in future be responsible for the provision of chiropody and the
Minister's approval will be no longer required to contributions by health authorities
to the funds of voluntary organisations providing this service.
No doubt the London County Council will survey the position in London and make