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MISCELLANEOUS
Blind and Partially Sighted Persons
During the nine months to 31st December, 1965, 210 examinations of blind and
partially sighted persons were arranged in accordance with Section 29 of the National
Assistance Act, 1948; 88 were initial examinations and 122 were re-examinations.
57 persons were certified as blind and 153 as partially sighted.
In addition, 46 cases of which 36 were blind and 10 partially sighted were
accepted from hospitals. A further five blind persons and one partially sighted person
were accepted from other local authorities on taking up residence in the Borough.
Adoption and Boarding-out
Children in care being considered for adoption or boarding-out were medically
examined by a general practitioner, visiting medical officer or hospital doctor at the
request of the Children's Officer. The reports were scrutinised by a senior medical
officer of the Health Department who advised whether the child was medically fit
for adoption or boarding-out. Similarly, medical reports on prospective adopters
were also arranged.
Immigrants
New immigrants notified by port medical officers as destined for this borough,
were visited by officers of the Council to ensure that the information on hand-out
cards (in several languages) issued at ports and airports of arrival had been understood;
to give general information about the Health Services; and to persuade the
new immigrants to register with general practitioners.
From 1st April to 31st December, 1965, the names of over 500 immigrants
were received.
Registration of Nursing Homes
The demand for beds in nursing homes in Inner London steadily decreased as
a result of the National Health Service Act, 1946. There were 58 registered nursing
homes and 40 homes exempted from registration in 1949: at 31st December, 1964,
there were only 47, all registered in accordance with The Nursing Homes Act, 1963
which amended the Public Health London Act, 1936 exempting from registration
any non-profit making home.
There were only two private nursing homes in this Borough: they were visited
by a Senior Medical Officer who advised the Matron on various aspects of health,
hygiene, prevention of accidents, etc., and reported on the homes in accordance
with Regulations.
Children's and Welfare Committees Establishments
Medical supervision of residential nurseries, large and small homes for the aged
and infirm, accommodation for mothers and babies, homeless family units, etc., was
carried out by a Senior Medical Officer. Particular attention was paid to short-stay
accommodation for homeless families where infectious diseases could so easily
spread because of the close and intimate nature of contact.
Part-time visiting medical officers were appointed to all establishments.
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