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163
Works of Access and Adaptation
Financial responsibility for works of access and adaptation
which are considered necessary to enable handicapped persons to
overcome the day-to-day difficulties of their disability is accepted
by the Council. In the case of Council property, works are
usually undertaken by direct labour.
During the year, a total of 54 adaptations were made ranging
from a major reconstruction for a wheelchair-bound person to
the installation 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
Under powers contained in Section 28 of the National Health
Service Act, 1948, it is the Council's policy to accept full
responsibility for such adaptations and that no charge is to be
made to the patient.
Following the precedent set in 1967, during the current year
the Council agreed to adapt 5 premises on behalf of renal failure
patients although in one instance, after alterations had been made,
the patient subsequently decided to remain under constant hospital
care. After investigations one case was not proceeded with and
another was under active consideration at the end of 1970. In
situations where premises are not adaptable aid is sought from
the Housing Department for suitable alternative accommodation.
Since the scheme's inception, of the 8 patients for whom adaptations
have been made to enable them to undertake home
dialysis, 2 have since died.
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 3,441 as compared with 3,383
during the previous year which represents an increase of almost
2% and a figure four times that for 1965. The following table
shows particulars of these loans.