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164
GERIATRIC ADVISORY CLINICS
Disposal of Patients
Found to be Fit 35
Referred to General Practitioner 28
Referred to Dentist 7
Referred to Optician 4
Referred to Chiropodist 3
Total Attendances 94
Referrals to General Practitioners
Raised Blood Pressure 12
Hearing Defects 7
Depression 7
Varicose Veins (elastic stockings) 3
Sugar in Urine 3
Rodent Ulcer 1
Melanoma 1
New Surgical Belt 1
Geriatric Adviser to the Council
In his Circular 10/65, the Minister of Health pointed out that,
although the various Health and Welfare Services for the elderly are
not under one authority, their purpose is to provide what is essentially
a single service for each individual who needs it.
There are indications that, despite every effort made to the
contrary, much undiagnosed illness and undisclosed disability in the
elderly exists.
It was clear that early recognition of changes in the physical
or mental condition of our old folk in the Council's homes would be
most satisfactorily achieved by a doctor responsible both to the
hospital and to the local authority. This desire for a closer association
between the Health and Welfare department and the hospitals'
geriatric services was satisfied by the decision of the Council to
appoint the Consultant Geriatrician at St. Alfege's Hospital as its
geriatric adviser on its own services for the elderly. This appointment
has led to a situation where each elderly person now receives appropriate
care from the appropriate authority.
Geriatric Units
Since 1st April, 1965, close links with the Geriatric Units in the
Borough have been further strengthened and regular discussions at
the St. Alfege's Hospital Staff Meetings give rise to greater understanding
of common problems.
Holiday Relief for Relatives
Many families who are caring for seriously infirm elderly
relatives have great difficulty in taking an annual holiday. In many
such cases the Council was again able to help by providing