London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Tower Hamlets 1970

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tower Hamlets, London Borough]

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New out-patients seen at the Child Psychiatry Clinics at the London, London
Jewish and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals numbered 524 during the year with 2,708
at tendance s
It is estimated that two thirds of the patients referred to in the above
paragraphs are residents of the borough.
Statistics relating to the Mental Health Services appear on pages 100 to 102.
REHABILITATION AND AFTER CARE OF ALCOHOLICS (including Crude Spirit Drinkers).
In an attempt to rehabilitate crude spirit drinkers and other alcoholics a
joint scheme between the Council and the Salvation Army came into operation last year.
An assessment unit forms part of the Salvation Army's new premises, Booth House,
Whitechapel whence suitable cases are sent for rehabi1itat ion to the Salvation Army's
country premises near Swindon, Wilts.
Financial support is given by the Council towards the expenses of the Medical
Unit at Booth House and the costs of patients' sojourn at the Wiltshire home are
reimbursed to the Salvation Army The Home Office makes agrant towards this expenditure
under the Urban Aid programme.
BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS
For the purpose of the Council's scheme for providing welfare services under
the National Assistance Act 1948 for the blind and partially sighted, it is necessary
to arrange medical examinations in connection with the certification of such persons.
The department arranged 116 examinations by a consultant ophthalmologist during the
year and certificates accepted from other local authorities, hospitals and private
ophthalmologists numbered 76 Transport to the clinic for examination is arranged
for these persons where necessary.
CHIROPODY
Treatment is provided free to old persons in receipt of retirement pensions,
expectant mothers, school children and the physically handicapped.
Foot clinics are held at 8 of the Health Department's establishments and at 3
other establishments providing a total of 36 sessions by one full-time Chief
Chiropodist and eight part-time chiropodists. For those unable to attend clinics, six
of the chiropodists visit their homes to give treatment.
The average number of patients treated per clinic session was 7 and the average
time between clinic appointments was 10 weeks.
Transport sessions whereby selected patients are taken to a clinic, have proved
successful, not only for reducing the cost on the domiciliary service, but as a means
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