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supplies, wiring, soldering, making electrical lamp shades and
electric light sockets, and repair and repainting of roadwork signs.
A trainee social worker is present daily to assist and a qualified
teacher from the I-L.E.A. attends for two sessions per week.
Works of Access and Adaptation
The Council may accept financial responsibility for works of
access and adaptation which are necessary to enable a handicapped
person to overcome the effects of his disability. During the year
a total of 72 persons benefited from a variety of works, including
the provision of hand-rails, grab-rails, ramps, etc.
Although each person was assessed to contribute towards the
cost of the work, according to his means, in the majority of cases
little or no charge was made.
Adaptation for Kidney Machine
During the year the Council received, on behalf of chronic
renal failure patients, 8 hospital requests (2 from the Royal Free,
3 from Guy's and 3 from King's College) for the installation of
home dialysis units. Following the precedent set in 1967, 5
adaptations were carried out at a cost to the Council of £200 to
£400 each, depending upon the home circumstances and type of
property, with the remaining 3 cases under active consideration.
In one instance however, after alterations had been made, the
patient subsequently decided to remain under constant hospital
care. In situations where premises are not adaptable aid is sought
from the Housing Department for alternative accommodation.
Under powers contained in Section 28 of the National Health
Service Act, 1948, it is now the Council's policy to accept full
responsibility for such adaptations and that no charge is to be made
to the patient.
At least once a week special arrangements are made for the
collection and disposal of waste arising from the use of dialysis
machines in the home.
Loan of Equipment
The scheme for the loan of nursing and sick-room aids, including
aids and gadgets for handicapped and elderly persons continued
to expand during the year. Such equipment is provided on free
loan at the request of the Family Doctor, District Nurse, Medical
Social Worker, Health Visitor, Old People's Visitor, etc. Total
issues during the year numbered 3,383 as compared with 2,821
during the previous year which represents an increase of almost
20%. The following table shows particulars of these loans.