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Chiropody—The demand for this service continued to increase and it is gratifying,
therefore, to be able to report an improvement in the recruitment of chiropodists. It has
thus been possible to provide an additional weekly session at Scotts Road foot clinic and
by the end of the year the number of sessions held had reached the full number authorised.
Health education—Emphasis has again been laid mainly on the hazard of lung cancer
from smoking and fire risks associated with oil heaters. In association with division 9 a
smokers' advisory clinic commenced at Fulham chest clinic in October, where an evening
session is held every Wednesday under the direction of Dr. Price, Chest Physician. The
clinic is available to residents in the area from Putney to Clapham Junction as well as to
Fulham and Chelsea residents. General practitioners in these areas have been invited to
refer to the clinic persons who have been advised to give up smoking, who are finding it
difficult to do so but who, nevertheless, have a genuine desire to give up the habit. It is
felt that this is the type of person most likely to be helped and although it is too early to
attempt to assess the clinic's activities, good results are hoped for.
The fire risk from oil heaters has been tragically underlined on a number of occasions
during the year by fatalities and serious injuries from burns, notwithstanding continuous
efforts to alert parents and child minders to the dangers. There has been a substantial
increase in the number of fire guards provided, and no great difficulty has been experienced
in getting the permission of landlords to the fixing of guards which in some particular cases
have been specially designed to give the best possible protection.
Day nurseries—Pressure on nursery places continued and a consistently high daily
attendance was maintained. A start was made on building an extension to St. Quintin
day nursery to provide 37 more places.
Occasional creches—This service was further extended by additional sessions to meet
increased demand.
Mental health—There has been further progress in the field of community care and I
am pleased to record my appreciation of the help and full co.operation given by the physician
superintendents of the hospitals serving the area and by general practitioners. I am grateful,
too, to the Warden of Bishop Creighton House, whose co.operation has made possible the
establishment there of a very successful and well attended social club and to Miss Margaret
Heathcote who conducts a most valuable occupational therapy class at the Congregational
Church Hall, Hammersmith Broadway every Wednesday afternoon.
The number of places at North Kensington training centre was increased during the year
to 60 and plans were approved for the incorporation of a special care unit (12 places) at
the Kensington training centre.
Prevention of break.up of families—Divisional co.ordinating committee meetings and
intermediate Case Conferences have again been held regularly throughout the year. Cases
considered have been referred by the Family Welfare Association, the Family Service
Unit, the N.S.P.C.C., prison welfare officers, psychiatric social workers, general practitioners
and hospital almoners, as well as from Council departments. The co.ordinating
committee have again received and have been most grateful for the full co.operation of
bodies outside the Council, especially the National Assistance Board, the N.S.P.C.C. and
borough council housing departments.
Loan of medical equipment—There has been a steady increase in the loan of home
nursing equipment, particularly of commodes, special beds and hoists, and in the transport
of equipment loaned to patients by the British Red Cross Society. Acknowledgments
have been received from hospitals in the area of the value of this service in relieving the
pressure on their geriatric wards.
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