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The Association has purchased suitable medical equipment, which is available on loan to
the City's old folk, as, although the provision of these facilities is not necessarily the responsibility
of a Voluntary Organization, so much of the equipment normally available through Hospitals
etc. is too cumbersome for modern flats. The equipment includes easily propelled wheelchairs
and armchair commodes.
Convalescent Holidays and Mid-day Meals have been provided throughout the year, and
unquestionably these amenities are of great benefit to the well-being of the old folk.
Amongst other services provided are Laundry; Hairdressing; Shoe Repairing. Handicraft
Classes are being extended; and the Employment Scheme is continuing. Possihly the most important
single service provided is Chiropody. The Association has established five Chiropody
Clinics on various Corporation Estates, and the services of the Chiropodist are well utilised....it
is expected that a further two Clinics will be required to be opened in 1964.
The new Over 60's Club on the Golden Lane Estate was opened by Sir Ralph Perring during
this year, and it is evident that the Club Rooms are used extensively, and have provided a very
delightful meeting place for the old folk on this Estate.
The foregoing general facilities are provided for those Over 60's who are able to remain in
their own homes. This Association realises however that 'adding years to life' is insufficient
unless adequate care and attention can be provided when the need arises, and the Association
is very concerned that, although there is an increasing demand for suitable accommodation
with care and attention, the provision of such accommodation continues to present a very real
problem. It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to provide 'Part HI' accommodation
when necessary, but all too often there are long waiting lists and Local Authorities cannot
cope with the demand. Until such time as one can honestly say that there is adequate provision
of Part III accommodation for those of pensionable age whose need is urgent, no effort must be
spared to find a solution to this problem.
One cannot legislate for every eventuality, but it seems to this Association that it should
be possible to introduce legislation which would ensure that the right kind of accommodation
with care and attention is readily available for those who can no longer look after themselves in
their own homes.
If only we could remind ourselves daily of Milton's words in 'Paradise Lost':
"That serene which men call old age.
So mayst thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop
into thy mother's lap or be with ease gathered
not harshly plucked, for death mature.
This is Old Age."
the problems confronting old age would surely lessen.
This is a brief report and summary of the activities provided for the over 60's in and of
the City for the year ending December 31st 1963."
MASS RADIOGRAPHY
Dr. W.D.R. Thompson, Medical Director of the Mass Radiography Unit at present housed
at the City Mortuary Building 20 Golden Lane, E.C.2. reports that 67,836 persons were x-rayed
during 1963 . 47,545 persons were x-rayed at 20 Golden Lane and 20,291 persons were x-rayed
at various business premises in or near to the City whilst the unit was 'mobile' from 6th August
to 1st November.
Thirty-six cases with a significant tuberculous lesion and sixteen cases of carcinoma of the
bronchus were discovered during the year.
The unit has continued to approach, and encourage, new firms to use the services offered
and a considerable number of new firms have been added to the unit's register.
CANCER DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
When the Clinic was established at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in 1958, financed by the
Corporation of London, it was intended for the diagnosis of certain forms of cancer peculiar to
women. During the year the Corporation of London made a further contribution towards the expenses
of the Clinic so that the scope of the scheme could be extended to include the tests to
assist in the detection of some forms of cancer common to both sexes, such as cancer of the
lung.
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