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72
but unable to reach a clinic, arrangements are made for them to
be provided with ambulance transport. Housebound patients are
treated in their own homes.
In January the Council appointed a Chief Chiropodist, Mr.
Clive L. R. Rees, in accordance with the decision taken in 1967.
Number of sessions held :—
(a) at clinics 2,188
(b) at private surgeries 72
(c) at old people's centres 280
Number of patients seen for the first time in 1968
(a) at clinics and centres 3,165
(b) at private surgeries 437
(c) in their own homes 1,470
Number of treatments :—
(a) at clinics and centres 16,620
(b) at private surgeries 2,565
(c) in patients' own homes 8,487
Venereal disease
Welfare officers are employed by six of the Inner London authorities
in whose areas V.D. clinics are situated, and these officers
follow-up patients who have failed to complete treatment, with
the object of persuading them to continue with treatment. Time
is spent also in tracing contacts named by patients and persuading
them to obtain treatment. This work is carried out on behalf of
all Inner London authorities, an annual payment being made by
those authorites (of which Wandsworth is one) without any venereal
disease clinics in their areas and therefore not directly employing
any welfare officers on follow-up work.
Health education
Health education is an integral part of the health visitor's work
and is one aspect of almost every task she undertakes whether in
people's homes, in the Child Health Centres or in schools and
colleges.
(a) In child health centres
Reference has already been made to classes for expectant mothers
and small discussion groups in Mothers' Clubs. In addition there
are displays of posters and leaflets on such subjects as immunization
against various infectious diseases, cervical cytology, prevention
of accidents, care of children's feet, dental health, etc. Films
are shown in centres which have the necessary facilities.