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SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
VISITS BY MEDICAL OFFICERS
Seventeen visits to elderly persons were made by senior medical staff of the department at the
request of general practitioners, home visitors, etc. in circumstances where it was felt compulsory removal
to hospital might be necessary under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948. One case was dealt
with under Section 47, and four persons subsequently agreed to be admitted to hospital or a welfare home
to receive care and attention.
HOME VISITING
Consequent upon the transfer of the Council's treatment centre at Seven Sister's Road to Finsbury
Health Centre, the areas for the visiting of elderly people were adjusted slightly and the home visitor from
the health centre was transferred to Clephane Road welfare centre to undertake visiting on a full-time basis.
The Council's policy of appointing only State Registered Nurses to vacant positions of Home
Visitor was followed, and at the end of the year, out of a total of 8 full-time staff five were State Registered
Nurses. All visitors continued to work from welfare centres.
SPECIAL CLEANSING
From time to time it was found that property occupied by elderly or infirm persons was in such a
filthy, verminous or insanitary condition as to warrant special cleansing by the department prior to the
introduction of home help and other services. Eighteen such cases, reported by the public health inspectors,
home visitors, hospital authorities, etc. were dealt with during the year.
MEALS
During most of 1969, the meals services continued in accordance with the re-organisation undertaken
in September, 1968, i.e. nine vans were operating Meals on Wheels, and four vans Invalid Meals. In
December 1969, it was agreed that the spare van should be taken into use to provide a tenth van for Meals
on Wheels.

The weekend meals on wheels service, inaugurated in April, 1968, continued to operate on Saturdays,
Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year. The service for cases in urgent need recommended by the
Council's home visitors, is limited to a maximum of 200 meals a day. The meals are supplied from the
kitchen at Hillside Home for the Retired.
A total of 19,120 weekend and bank holiday meals were provided during the year.
GERIATRIC PREVENTIVE CLINICS
The Clinics (known for publicity purposes as "Health Advisory Circles for Old People") at Pine
Street, Drayton Park and Blythe Mansions continued during the year.
Dr. J. Clarke, Senior Medical Officer, conducted the medical examinations at the Pine Street clinic
which were held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month only.
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