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109
Chiropody
Report by A.E.Trenter, M.Ch.S., S.R.Ch., M.R.S.H. —
Chief Chiropodist
Chiropody services are available to expectant and nursing
mothers, schoolchildren, the physically handicapped and persons
of pensionable age. The appointment during the year of additional
full-time and sessional staff enabled the chiropody service to
reach its full establishment for the first time. At the end of the
year the staff comprised five senior chiropodists and twenty
sessional chiropodists working under the supervision of the Chief
Chiropodist.
Treatment is available in twelve clinics in various parts of the
Borough. The service is also available in nine old people's homes
run by the Council, eight homes run by voluntary organisations,
three private homes, one nursing home and one convent. Treatment
is also given in the private surgeries of chiropodists acting
on behalf of the Council and there is an extensive domiciliary
service for those patients who are housebound. In cases where
patients are able to walk but are unable to reach the clinic
unaided, transport is provided.
At the beginning of the year, the Doddington Child Health
Centre was opened. This building in Battersea Park Road incorporates
a well-equipped, purpose-built chiropody surgery and,
in addition to its excellent treatment facilities, provision has
been made for the making of foot appliances.
During the year, a pilot survey of children's feet and footwear
was carried out in various schools in the Borough. The findings
of this survey clearly indicate that the health of schoolchildren's
feet deteriorates progressively during school life and that their
footwear is frequently unsatisfactory. Many children's shoes
are bought in shops where little attempt is made by the retailer
to ensure good fitting. Some parents buy shoes for their children
without the child being present at all. It is not surprising
therefore that many children's feet are being unnecessarily
deformed.
The chiropody service plays a major role in maintaining the
mobility and independence of the elderly. If we are to ensure
that future generations of elderly people are to escape the chronic
foot troubles that have affected the elderly of recent generations,
the chiropodist's skills must be utilised to the full, especially in
the preventive field of foot-health,