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V
It involves getting to know the old person really well and helping
them in a practical way. The old people in this group are invalids
or semi-invalids; most of them are women.
Valuable visitation of old people in the Borough is at present
undertaken by:-
Miss Beer, and voluntary helpers.
The Health Visitors (London County Council).
The Domestic Help Organiser and her Assistant (L.C.C.).
The District Nurses (District Nursing Association).
The Public Health Inspectors.
Even so it was felt that there was a need for the employment
of a qualified health visitor responsible to the Medical Officer of
Health for the visitation of this special group of old people. Miss
Fitzpatrick was appointed to this post in September, and by the end
of the year it was apparent that the appointment was filling a definate
gap in the services provided in Southwark for old people. From
tne outset it was intended that the work of the Woman Health Officer
should not in any way cut across the very excellent work being done
at or from St. Albans Hall and it is gratifying to be able to report
that there has been the closest co-operation between all the services
concerned.
During the year the incontinent laundry service continued its
extremely important task in making it possible for certain elderly
patients to be nursed in their own homes. This service is under the
supervision of Mr. T. Lloyd, the Superintendent of the Treatment and
Bathing Centre, whose staff also provide the home hathing service
for certain of the old people who, although not requiring the services
of the District Nurse, are still in need of this type of assistance,
Whereas in 1960 it was necessary to arrange for the compulsory
removal to institutions of no fewer than four old people, during 1961
such action was necessary in only one case. The old gentleman concerned
settled down very well in an Old People's home where he remained
voluntarily.
Housing.
The work undertaken in regard to slum clearance is set out in
the body of this report. The Public Health Inspectors were also active
in relation to sanitary defects and a substantial amount of the remedial
works involved were undertaken directly by the Council in default
of the owners. The older properties in the Borough call for unremitting
attention in regard to such matters as the cleanliness of common
staircases and yards, the maintenance of dust chutes, gullies, and
overflow pipes. Quite apart from amenity, neglect can quickly give
rise to conditions which are a danger to health,