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may be dealing with medical aspects of children in care. On matters of medical
policy there is close consultation between the Medical Officer of Health, or his
deputy, and the Children's Officer and Senior Officers in his department.
(Sgd) Dr. N.C. Walsh
Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Advisory Service to the Welfare Department
The many and varied activities of the Welfare Department include the
provision of residential accommodation for the aged - healthy, infirm and
disabled - and some young permanently disabled persons.
Temporary accommodation is also provided for homeless families in
primary and intermediate accommodation. Visiting Medical Officers who are
also general practitioners to the residents are appointed to these various establishments
by the Medical Officer of Health.
A senior medical officer in the Health Department with a senior nursing
officer pays periodic visits to these homes to supervise and advise on health
and hygiene matters and on the general medical and nursing care of the
residents. A screening audiometry service is provided so that residents who
might benefit from hearing aids can be referred for specialist advice. Arrangements
are being made for a local opticians to provide a service in homes, and a
chiropodist visits the homes regularly to give necessary treatment. When dental
treatment is required, residents go out to a local dentist.
It is intended to provide child health clinics and other screening services
in one of the Homeless Family Units, so enabling these families to benefit from
the preventive services of which they would otherwise not avail themselves. A
playgroup is already provided.
(Sgd) Dr. N.C.Walsh
Deputy Medical Officer of Health