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
Kensington 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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-15-
Chiropody
During the year, the Council made a grant of £55 to the
Kensington Council of Social Service for the purpose of a
chiropody service for house-bound old people. The treatment
of old people was increased from twenty to thirty per month
during the year, each treatment costing the Council 4/-.
All patients are referred by the Medical Officer of
Health to the Council of Social Service which administers the
financial aspect of the scheme. The British Red Cross Society
arrange the treatments., including providing the chiropodists
and making the appointments.
The total number of persons treated under the home
chiropody scheme was seventy-two and the number of treatments
given was two hundred and eight.
Meals Service
The arrangements for meals either delivered to old people
in their homes or in canteens were continued with great
success by the Women's Voluntary Services in conjunction with
Kensington Communal Kitchens.
The Women's Voluntary Services undertake the work of
verifying the bona fides of applicants, arrange delivery of
meals at the homes of old people and collect the money (8d.
per meal). The Kensington Communal Services Committee supply
the meals and the vehicles for delivery.
The following statement shows the progress of the service and the financial effect since it was taken over by the Kensington Communal Services Committee
| Period | Number of meals | Gross Cost | Receipts from old people | GrantfromLCC. | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1948- | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 31st March,1949 | 3,535 | 352 | 149 | - | 203 |
| Year 1949/50 | 10,461 | 1,016 | 432 | 27 | 557 |
| Year 1950/51 | 13,758 | 1,250 | 477 | 115 | 558 |
| Year 1951/52 | 18,370 | 1,634 | 625 | 445 | 564 |
| Year 1952/53 | 28,426 | 2,103 | 954 | 948 | 201 |
It will be observed that the number of meals served is
growing and that the net cost is substantial. The deficiencies
have been met by the Kensington Communal Services Committee.
Under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the
Council have power to make grants to voluntary bodies undertaking
the supply of meals to old people, but up to the present they
have not been requested to do so.
Visiting
The Council's Women Health Officers visit old people
brought to their notice. A comprehensive record system is kept
of old people in the Borough including personal particulars,
environmental conditions and special needs. The local voluntary
organisations supply records of old people whom they help and
every endeavour is made to keep this information up to date.
The following is a summary of the work carried out by the