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At the end of the year eighteen persons were enjoying such facilities
(either relay or a wireless set where Relay Service does not
operate).
(v) S.O.S, Card Scheme
The S.O.S. Card Scheme operated by the Committee in the borough
has functioned very successfully in the past. No use, however, was
made of the Scheme during 1957.
The purpose of the Scheme is to enable old people living alone to
contact someone outside their home in an emergency. The Scheme be
sides having a practical value also has a comfort value, as many of
the aged express the sense of security which possession of the card
affords them.
(vi) Visiting of the Aged in Hospital:
Arrangements have been made for members of the voluntary organisations
represented on the Committee to visit Finsbury persons accommodated
in hospital, who are not receiving regular visits from friends
and relations.
(vii) Nutritional Supplements:
The arrangements continued with Messrs. Wander Ltd,. Messrs.
Bovril, Ltd., and Messrs. Marmite Pood Extract Co. Ltd., whereby
Ovaltine', Hospital Extract' Bovril' and Marmite' are supplied to
the various organisations represented on the Committee for resale to
the aged persons attending their clubs at a price considerably less
than the normal retail price.
(viii) 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. Thirty-seven elderly persons received ophthalmic treatment
in this way in the period under review.
(ix) Coal:
The Committee is registered in the Licensed Merchants Register
in relation to the district of Finsbury as a licensed merchant to furnish
supplies of coal in quantities not exceeding 28 lbs.