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Other women were found to be suffering from anaemia, varicose veins and
hypertension but were already being treated by their own doctors.
One woman was referred to the breast clinic at the Royal Marsden Hospital, but no
abnormality was diagnosed.
CLINICS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE
Clinics for elderly people began in February of 1972, one clinic a week being held at
both Lancaster Road Health Centre and Violet Melchett Health Centre, and staffed by a
medical officer and a health visitor.
At first the sessions were slow and poorly attended, especially at Lancaster Road.
However, after advertising notices were displayed in the local libraries, attendances
improved and from 4 to 6 people were seen at each session.
In May, Radio London visited one of the Centres, but the broadcast then did not
affect attendance.
Although the clinics are open to everyone over the age of fifty the vast majority of
patients are in their sixties. Conditions encountered were varied but the most common was
osteo-arthritis, followed by hypertension, and emotional disorders coming third.
LOAN OF HOME NURSING EQUIPMENT
Under Section 12 of the Health Services and Public Health Act, 1968, the Council
provide, on loan, articles necessary for the efficient nursing of patients in their own homes.
Such equipment is normally lent only in instances where the patient is under active medical
treatment; the equipment remains with the patient as long as the medical need exists and no
charge is made for this service.
A supplementary service is provided by the British Red Cross Society. During the
year, the Council gave this Society a grant of £125 towards this work.
The demand for all types of equipment increased as indicated by the 656 issues
made by the Council and 1,442 by the British Red Cross Society, as compared with 556 and
1,283 respectively during 1971. The demand for incontinence pads again increased, as did
the number of patients (265 compared with 210 in 1971).
PROVISION OF FIREGUARDS
Fireguards continue to be available on loan, without charge, to necessitous
households where there are children under twelve years of age, or elderly, handicapped or
blind people.
The total number of fireguards issued during 1972 was 39 compared with 47 in
1971. Some of these were of a type specially designed for use with oil heaters and others of
nursery pattern suited to meet circumstances in particular homes.