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192
Geriatric Advisory Clinics
Following their temporary closure in 1969, these clinics were
recommenced in May, 1970. During the ensuing eight months,
eleven sessions were held at the following Centres :—
Abbey Centre, Eynsham Drive, S.E.2.
Lionel Road Centre, Lionel Road, S.E.9.
Garland Road Centre, Garland Road, S.E.18.
Plumstead Bathing Centre, Plumstead, S.E.18.
Attendances at the clinics during the current year were as
follow :—
New Cases 17
Re-visits 38
Total Attendances 55
In all, 19 cases were referred for further advice or treatment.
Two of these cases were referred for Chiropody treatment and one
for Dental treatment; the remaining 16 cases were referred to their
family doctors.
Referrals to the family doctor were for the following reasons :—
Hypertension 2
Hearing defects 2
Depression (insomnia) 1
Urinary infections 4
Skin conditions 1
Gastric disturbance 1
Vision (cataract) 1
Obesity 1
Varicose veins 1
Recurrent vertigo 1
Chronic bronchitis 1
Every person attending the clinics underwent a general clinical
examination which included urine testing, vision and hearing tests,
and an examination of the blood pressure. A full report of these
findings and any medical disability noted was sent to the family
doctor in the form of a letter.
During the interview and examination, advice was sought on a
wide variety of subjects. The most commonly discussed matters
included advice on diet and how to cope with unsteadiness.
Many of the elderly people complained of mild recurrent depression.
Of these, all but one were coping well with their symptoms
and either did not merit referral to their family doctor or declined
to be referred.
The following hospitals have Geriatric beds under the supervision
of Dr. Nicholson, Consultant Geriatrician :—
Brook Hospital
St. Nicholas Hospital
Memorial Hospital