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The Committee is extremely fortunate in being able to provide a
very excellent chiropody service. The facilities available at the London
County Clinics are unfortunately restricted by a shortage of chiropodists.
At the end of the year the Chairman of the Public Health Committee of
the County Council was good enough to receive the Chairman and representatives
of the Southwark Public Health Committee who drew attention
to the need for additional' sessions at St. Alban's Hall for which
additional monies have since been provided.
The Committee occupy at a nominal rent premises in the ownership
of the Southwark Borough Council. In addition the Council makes very
substantial grants to the Committee.
In my report last year I drew attention to the reasons which had
led the Council to agree to the appointment of a Woman Health Officer
on the staff of this department. This appointment proved to be very
successful, and it soon became apparent that there was ample work for
another officer to undertake the visitation of this special group of
home bound old people.
The report of the Superintendent of the Treatment and Bathing
Centre Mr. T. Lloyd, T. D., indicates how the incontinent laundry service
for old people forms a greater proportion of the work at King
James Street. This service makes it possible for many elderly patients
to be nursed in their own homes. The staff of the Treatment centre also
provide the home bathing service for certain old people who although
not requiring the service of the district Nurse, are still in need of
this type of assistance.
Compulsory removal to hospital was necessary in only one case during
the year. The old gentleman concerned died eleven days after admission.
This particular case only came to the notice of the Public Health
Department at a very late stage. Well-meaning neighbours did not feel
it was their responsibility to 'report' the position regarding this
old gentleman who had gradually become more feeble nor to draw attention
to the conditions under which he was living.
The National Assistance Act, 1948 (Amendment) Act 1962 extends
the powers of local authorities previously held under section 31 of
the 1948 Act. and enables them
(a) to assist voluntary organisations to provide meals or recreation
for old people, by making contributions to the
cost of the service; providing, by gift or loan or otherwise,
furniture, vehicles or equipment; permitting them
to use premises belonging to the local authority; and making
available the services of local authority staff connected
with the premises or vehicles which the organisation is
permitted to use;