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have been avoided or settled more satisfactorily. On a number of
occasions the department has been instrumental in arranging for
structural alterations to houses or flats to be made to enable
disabled persons to pursue a more active life.
Again, once such problems as incontinence, mental confusion,
lack of medical equipment, nutritional difficulties, etc., reach the
department they are dealt with expeditiously.
Altogether the present position is far from satisfactory. Services
provided by doctors, district nurses, health visitors, home-helps, etc.,
are all stretched to the limit and the same can be said for other
ancillaries and voluntary bodies involved with the problem. All
indications are that no satisfactory solution will be found until some
government legislation is introduced giving powers to the Medical
Officer of Health enabling him to unite all these various activities
into an efficient, economic home-care service.
Under existing conditions the public health department acts
as a "clearing house" and there are very few cases brought to its
notice which fail to receive adequate help and advice. Cases are
brought to the notice of the department by neighbours, district
nurses, secretaries of Old People's Associations and hospital
almoners and many visits by the Lady Public Health Officers to
old persons result from information supplied by local practitioners.
Relations between the department and other organisations have
always been excellent and co-operation with Dr. Mester and his
Geriatric Unit at St. Alfege's Hospital are close and cordial, all
to the benefit of the elderly infirm patient.
During the year the staff dealing with this aspect of the department
was increased and the following is a summary of the work
carried out by the Lady Public Health Officers during 1962 :—
No. of Cases on Register at 1st January 1.320
Cases removed from Register 387
Cases added to Register 908
No. of Cases on Register at 31st December 1,841
Visits re:—
First 837
Subsequent 7,125
Unsuccessful 982
Rest Homes, Hospitals, etc. 103
M iscellaneous 224
9,271
Attendances at Home Baths 112