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General Practitioners In the first instance the practitioner treats
ailments of his aged patients. He may request
the services of the district nurse, the home help, meals on wheels
and home nursing appliances, e.g. commode, wheelchair etc. If
the patient cannot be treated at home the doctor may arrange outpatient
attendance at a hospital or admission for an acute or chronic
case or the welfare officer to see cases with a view to admission to
a welfare home.
The Welfare Department The Welfare Officers visit very many old
people in their own homes. The shortage
°f welfare homes for aged persons is still a grave disadvantage and
numerous beds in chronic sick hospitals have been occupied throughout
the year by cases said to be suitable for welfare homes.
The Local Area Health Authority is responsible for the services of
district nurses, home helps and health
visitors. Arrangements for the loan of sick room appliances are
made through the agency of the British Red Cross Society.
The Borough Public Health Authority for the following - advice from
the Medical Officer of Health who
in addition to the numerous services under his control acts as the
centre of liaison in most matters, housing accommodation for aged,
removal of aged in need of care and attention (Sec. 47 National
Assistance Act), fumigation and disinfestation services where necessary,
Soiled linen laundry for incontinent aged, use of slipper baths at
reduced price.
Cleansing of Soiled Articles
During the year 412 bundles of articles were collected for
cleansing under the terms of section 84 of the Public Health Act,
1936. The demand was lower than in previous years, 30 persons
receiving help, although only four were doing so at the end of the
year.
The highest number of cases being assisted at any one time
was 16 and there is no doubt that this service meets a very real
need.
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