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52
GERIATRIC CLINICS
In the early part of the year approval was given by the Department of Health
and Social Security for the setting up of two pilot preventive geriatric clinics.
The aim was to discover any defects and disabilities which might be present
in elderly people, and to give advice and refer to their general practitioners where
appropriate.
The clinics are much appreciated by the old persons who are able to discuss
their health and its associated problems at leisure, and not feel that they are
wasting a busy practitioner's time. The number of defects discovered which
are not known to the individual may be small, but the reassurance which is
afforded is of great value. At the same time it is often possible to put them
in touch with other departments of the Council such as Social Services and
Housing.
Dr. F. Summers
Associate Medical Officer of Health
THE CHIEF NURSING OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT 1972
Expansion of services continued during 1972, particularly in the geriatric
services, home nursing services and family planning.
From the 1st May a new post of Health Education Officer was created,
and health education was no longer the responsibility of the nursing services.
This did not diminish the participation of the nursing staff in health education.
The number of attachments of nursing staff to general practitioners continued
to increase slowly. Liaison arrangements with hospitals developed and expanded
during the year to cover a wide variety of patient groups.
HEALTH VISITING
The ratio of staff to population once again showed an improvement and
once again this was due to a decline in population rather than to an increase in
numbers of staff. Twelve students sponsored by the Borough successfully
completed the course and joined the staff.
Visits to the elderly increased in number and the overall amount of time
spent on geriatrics increased. This was partly due to the opening of two
geriatric clinic sessions.