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At the outset most of the referrals came from the department's home visitors, and
as such the elderly patients were in the higher age groups. Following initial
publicity given through a B.B.C. television programme on the opening of the clinics,
and publicity by means of leaflets dispensed through the various council establishments
many requests were received for examination at one or other of the clinics.
A total of 92 applications were received during the period October to December,
1966. By the end of the year, 43 of these patients had been seen, 14 had cancelled
their requests to attend, and the remaining 35 had been allocated appointments in the
new year. Two new patients were booked for each session, and re-appointments were made
in accordance with the wishes, of the individual Consultants. On this basis the clinics
were fully booked for some time ahead.
When a request is received for an appointment at one of the clinics, the Medical
Practitioner is informed and is invited to submit details of any relevant medical
history which may be of interest to the examing Doctor. At the examination the
patient is interviewed and medical and social history forms are completed. The
examining doctor then completes a medical examination, including the arranging of
tests for audiometry, chest x-ray, and haemoglobin, if required. In all cases the
medical practitioner is given a full report on the examination. Facilities for
chiropody and chest x-ray are conveniently available in premises adjoining the two
clinics.
Laundry Services
The laundry service for incontinent persons (most of them elderly) was provided
from the Treatment Centre at Seven Sisters Road. During the year 3,852 collections of
laundry were made (involving 41,957 articles). The service was being provided to
about 160 persons at the end of the year.
The Finsbury Laundry Service for Elderly Chronic Sick was continued throughout
the year. As instructed by the Council, no new cases were added to this service, and
the number of recipients fell from 44 at the commencement of the year, to 31 at the
end of the year. 1,092 parcels of laundry were collected during the twelve months
under review.
Bathing Facilities
The services provided from the Treatment Centre. Seven Sisters Road, and from
the Finsbury Health Centre continued throughout the year.
3,955 baths were carried out in the homes of elderly persons under the
Domiciliary Service.
1,565 baths were given to persons attending the two centres, the department's
ambulance being used to assist those unable to travel on their own.
Task Force
The local office of Task Force (an organisation set up to encourage and foster
voluntary effort among the younger citizens) was opened in September 1965. Their work
was continued during 1966, and 109 cases were referred to them by the Aged and Infirm
Section of the Health Department.
I should again like to place on record my sincere thanks for the sterling work
that is being undertaken by this organisation and I know that I am also speaking for
the elderly people of the Borough when I say that it is very much appreciated.
Islington Crematorium
The Medical Referees certified a total of 937 applications for cremation at the
Council's Crematorium, East Finchley.
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