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52
SECTION C
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
FOR THE AREA
Care of the Aged
Work in connection with the aged has continued to expand
and the number of visits made by the Woman Public Health Visitor
increased by 206.
During the year 593 new cases were brought to the notice of
the Public Health Department, an increase of 82 over the number
of new cases for 1958. In addition a scheme for the home bathing
of elderly people was inaugurated, details of which appear later
in the report.
It was necessary to take statutory action in only three
cases and this emphasises the considerable amount of work which
is done by the lady visitor in persuading old people to accept
help and treatment voluntarily. Individual cases required constant
supervision entailing many visits.
The duties carried out by the Public Health Department in
connection with the elderly are rapidly reaching a stage when it
will be practically impossible for the Public Health Visitor to
take on additional work. Consideration may have to be given,
therefore, to providing her with assistance. A similar expansion
is to be expected in the Home Bathing Service and in this connection
also it may be necessary to increase the number of female
bathing attendants employed on a part time basis or alternatively
to employ the existing staff full time.
As in previous years I pay tribute to the work done by the
staff of the Public Health Department in connection with old
people and acknowledge the help given by Lambeth Old People's
Welfare Association, and the London County Council through its
Domestic Help and Nursing Services. The co-operation of the
Geriatricians and the Hospitals is also appreciated. I am very
grateful to al1 these organisations for without their co operation
and help the task of the Public Health Department would be much
more difficult.