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 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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Kensington Council of Social Service for the purpose of enabling the
provision of a chiropody service for house-bound old people.
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 one hundred and ninety-eight and the number of treatments
given was four hundred and eighty.
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
Services Committee.
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 (l0d. 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 financial effect since the inception of the scheme.
| Period | Number of meals | Gross Cost | Receipts from old people | Subsidy from L. C. C | Grant from R. B. K | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1948 - | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 31st March, 1949 | 3,535 | 352 | 149 | _ | _ | 203 |
| 1949/50 | 10,461 | 1,016 | 432 | 27 | _ | 557 |
| 1950/51 | 13,758 | 1,250 | 477 | 115 | _ | 558 |
| 1951/52 | 18,370 | 1,634 | 625 | 445 | _ | 564 |
| 1952/53 | 28,426 | 2,103 | 954 | 948 | _ | 201 |
| 1953/54 | 39,196 | 5,459 | 1,317 | 1,306 | 200 | 636 |
| 1954/55 | 45,116 | 3,853 | 1,611 | 1,512 | 300 | 430 |
| 1955/56 | 45,933 | 4,204 | 1,926 | 1,531 | 300 | 447 |
| 1956/57 | 45,995 | - | Not yet available | _ | ||
It will be observed that the number of meals served and the net
cost are 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, and a grant of £500 for
1956/57 was made to the Kensington Communal Services.
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
Council's Women Health Officers in connection with the care of old
people during the year 1956:-