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18
Mass X-Ray Service.
During 1956 the Mobile Unit of the South West London Mass X-Ray
Service made 26 visits to the City to provide chest X-ray facilities for
the staff of 26 firms, the staff and students of three university colleges
and three training colleges, and the staff and residents of a common
lodging house. The total numbers X-rayed were 16,915, and as a result
of these visits 79 cases were referred to chest clinics with a radiologically
significant lesion, probably tuberculous, requiring further investigation.
Arrangements were made, in conjunction with the City Council,
the Chelsea Group Hospital Management Committee and the Chest
Physician, for a Mass X-ray Unit to visit the Westminster Chest Clinic
in Ebury Bridge Road every Friday to provide a service for patients
referred by general practitioners and employees of firms in the vicinity.
These visits have been carried out regularly since the beginning of
September, and a total of 2,699 people have been examined, of whom
698 were doctors' patients. This has resulted in 15 cases being referred
to chest clinics with a radiologically significant lesion, probably tuberculous,
requiring further investigation.
Welfare of Old Persons.
Westminster Old People's Welfare Association.
This voluntary Association, whose members include representatives
of various bodies interested in the welfare of old people, continued its
activities in the City during the year. These activities include the
organisation in various parts of the City of Darby and Joan Clubs, where
light refreshments and recreation are provided; arranging holidays at
seaside resorts, summer outings, Christmas parties, and other entertainments.
Special outings and parties were organised during the year for
handicapped old people, who by reason of their infirmities had not been
outside their homes for long periods. The distribution of gift parcels
at Christmas time was arranged; and also the visiting by voluntary
helpers of the ailing and lonely in their homes. The Association also
provides a chiropody service for the elderly. Treatment can be obtained
at two clinics in the City, or at home. The charge is 2s. 6d. per treatment
; the balance of cost, which varies from 3s. 6d. to 6s. per treatment,
is borne by the Association. The Association have also been instrumental
in placing a few old people in part-time employment.
The City Council, under powers conferred by the National Assistance
Act, 1948, make an annual contribution to the funds of the Association.
British Red Cross Society—Mobile Meals Service.
The Westminster Division of the British Red Cross Society has
continued the service which it established in the City in 1945 for the
delivery to their homes of hot mid-day meals to aged people who are
unable themselves to prepare meals at home.