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28
In September last the Scheme was extended to include "Marmite".
The arrangements have proved very popular with the aged and considerable
Quantities have been sold to them. Consideration was also given
to the possibility of including 'New Laid Eggs' among the Nutritional
Supplements provided under the aegis of the Committee, but it was
ultimately decided that bearing in mind the considerable difficulties
involved in handling eggs-the cheap price at which it was possible
for aged persons to obtain broken or cracked eggs-that the proposal
be abandoned.
Ophthalmic Service:
The Committee being of the opinion that there was a considerable
need for a special Ophthalmic Service for elderly people, there being
many who were in need of glasses or other treatment, but who found it
too much trouble to make an appointment at a Hospital or other clinic,
approached Moorfields Eye Hospital with a view to special arrangements
being made. Forty-seven elderly persons received ophthalmic treatment
in this way in the period under review.
In addition, through the kindness of a local optician it was
possible to arrange for three elderly persons to receive domiciliary
service.
Barber Service:
At the end of the year under review the Committee were investigating
the practicability of providing a Barber Service (Haircutting
and Shaving) for elderly men who are housebound or bedridden.
It should be noted that as well as the services outlined above
operated by or in close relation to the Council, the following services
provided by London County Council are available:
1. Domestic Help Service.
2. A Chiropody clinic in the Health Centre.
Further, a Physiotherapy clinic provided by the Hospital Management
Committee is available in the Health Centre.
This report on the care given to the health and welfare of aged
persons in Finsbury would not be complete without a recognition of the
medical services rendered by the general practitioners in the district
and their close co-operation with me and officers of my department and
without an appreciation of the willing assistance at all times of
Dr. Morris and later Dr. Stern, the Medical Superintendents of St.
Matthew's Hospital and the cordial relations existing between us and
our staffs which have not only made our tasks more easy and pleasant
but have enabled the sick aged to be treated more expeditiously
according to their needs.