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Other conditions showed a very sharp rise, the number of cases of nongonococcal
urethritis in males rose from 2,833 in 4970 to 3,879 in 1971
and is very much in excess of the gonorrhoea total. It is now one of
the major hazards of sex life so far as infection is concerned and
requires a concentration of measures towards solving the problems of
aetiology.
The number of cases in Hammersmith rose from 5,759 to 6,790 in 1971,
those from Kensington fell from 4,613 to 4,015, but it is believed that
owing to a misconception, one area of Hammersmith had for some time been
credited to Kensington. The major increase occurred in the more peripheral
boroughs of Richmond-on-Thames, Hounslow, Ealing and Brent, from all of
which the total figures practically doubled, whilst from Wandsworth and
Westminster there was also an increase of 100%. This may well have been
due to the effects of the recent campaign in the Borough and to the discovery
by a lot of people that the West London Hospital is very easy of
access from many parts of London. On the other hand, there are now signs
that the persistent overcrowding is having a deterrent effect, and now
that St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington has a new department, some patients
may prefer to attend there and wait their turn of being seen in conditions
of much greater comfort.
The Chiropody Service
The most important asset of the Chiropody Service is the personnel, and
one of the important objectives therefore, is to create a structure and
atmosphere most likely to produce the best in staff themselves, and
thereby enhance the Service as a whole.
On the 25th October 1971 the Chiropody Service was transferred from Social
Services to the Health Services. This inevitably resulted in greater strain
and responsibility being placed on the department especially in view of
the absence of essential full time clerical assistance and any increase
in chiropody establishment.
As a result of their having free treatment from 1st December 1971 overwhelming
gratitude was expressed by the Priority Patients receiving retirement
pension and not continuing working .
The 1970 Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act and the division of
the Social Services Department into area teams, has had considerable effect
in focussing attention on gaps in the provision of adequate chiropody
treatment available to meet the requirements of the older section of the
population of Hammersmiths
Five clinic sessions were transferred to domiciliary during the year in
order to meet the extra demand for housebound patients.
As the size and efficiency of the service is of necessity controlled by
finance and availability of manpower, the waiting period between each
treatment and the delay in beginning new cases is, unfortunately, not
ideal at the moment.
The Appliance Laboratory provided at 706 Fulham Road, S.W.6. has enabled
the chiropodists to carry out this important aspect of their work and
has given greater attention to the long term management of foot disabilities
in order to maintain more lasting comfort and mobility.
Staff
The Chiropody Service run by the Council and administered directly under
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