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131
There exists, however, considerable scope for both prophylactic
and curative work, particularly among the younger age groups.
Ignorance of the requirements for fitting footwear and hosiery and
of precautions necessary to reduce transmission of the commoner
types of foot infection, can lead to much discomfort and
disability. Information designed to deal with these problems can
be passed to patients attending clinics or disseminated in other ways
(e.g. posters, pamphlets, talks, etc.), although it would seem that
the former method is most productive of results, probably reinforced
by the check that is maintained at subsequent visits.
With the concentration of staff in the mutli-chaired clinics, it
has been possible in this year to make appliances available to a
far greater number of patients than hitherto. Use of recently
developed thermoplastic materials has enabled these to be made at
reasonable cost in less time than with conventional materials,
providing light, easily cleaned appliances, obviating the need for
most adhesive dressings and thus allowing unimpeded foot hygiene.
On a smaller scale, orthonyx work has developed successfully, providing
immediate symptomatic relief and, in the longer term,
showing correction to be obtainable in all age groups.
Lack of staff has again been the limiting factor to further
progress in these fields. Prohibition of variation or deviation
from the guide lines laid down by the Whitley Council and the
lack of re-grading possibilities present a poor career prospect to
chiropodists contemplating working with this authority but who
are aware of the greater flexibility obtaining elsewhere. Our scheme
for sponsorship of students accepted by a recognised training
hospital or school of chiropody was put into operation during the
current year. As a result, it is to be hoped that the not too distant
future will see some improvement in the staffing situation although,
again the subsequent retention of their services will be dependent
upon the prospects of a fuller and more rewarding vocation.
It is of interest to note that although the number of clinic
sessions was 106 less than that of the previous year, the number
of treatments given rose by 3,624—the concentration of available
staff in the multi-chaired clinics enabled a greater number to
benefit from the service.
Bathing Centre—Tunnel Avenue
A chiropody clinic established at Tunnel Avenue Bathing Centre
in September, 1963, for the treatment of cases (mainly geriatric)
brought to the Centre for bathing services, was continued during
the current year.