View report page

8
Foot Clinic.—At the end of the year there were 425 patients (including 86 new) on the register,
and 27 on the waiting list ; 2,071 treatments were given. We had hoped that the two extra sessions
started in July would enable us to keep the waiting list down to reasonable proportions, but by
October it had to be closed temporarily, and at the end of the year it was decided that two more
sessions should be started in January, 1956. The Borough Council have agreed to the addition of
£50 to our block grant to cover the cost as from April, 1956. Until then it will be met from our own
funds. From July the London County Council allowed us the use of the clinic premises free of charge.
There are now 24 or 30 sessions a month, depending on the number of Tuesdays in the month. This
is the full working capacity of our premises and equipment and any further development will have
to be elsewhere. Members of the St. Marylebone Red Cross Society provide administrative staff,
and we are grateful to them for facilitating such smooth working for this valuable service.
Holidays.—The increased grant of £250 made by the Borough Council and an expenditure of £39
from our own funds enabled us to help 116 old people to have holidays. This was 32 more than in
1954. Three organised parties went to Brighton for a week, two in May and one in October. The
Fourth Feathers Darby and Joan Club sent a party of 39 to Margate with the help of a grant of £20
from the Association. Fares were paid to enable several old people to have holidays with relatives,
and individual holidays were arranged for infirm old people unsuitable for the organised parties.
These individual cases are relatively very expensive, and it was decided that in 1956 we must,
however reluctantly, confine ourselves to organised parties for the more able-bodied and so make
the best use of our grant.
Emergency Coal Service.—Forty-five deliveries were made during the year, 37 in the early months
and 8 in the autumn, at the charge of 1s. 4½d. for 28 lbs. of coal.
Wireless Sets.—The Wireless for the Bedridden Society kindly lent three more wireless sets for
house-bound old people, bringing the total under Miss Sharp's supervision to nine.
Prevention of Accidents.—Mrs. Fewster represents the Association on the St. Marylebone Road
Safety Committee. Because of the danger of accidents in the home we were instrumental in having
electricity installed in several rooms with no artificial lighting, and in having gas and electricity
meters moved to accessible positions.
Diseased or Infirm Persons.
It was necessary to obtain Court Orders for the removal to hospital or a home of three infirm and
physically incapacitated old people (all women of over eighty years of age), who were living alone
under insanitary conditions and whose relatives or friends were unable to assist them. In one case,
this action was taken under the National Assistance Act, 1948, and in the others under the National
Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951.
Staff Medical Examinations.
The Medical Officer of Health is medical adviser for the purposes of the Council's superannuation
scheme. During 1955, one hundred and five examinations of members of the staff and new entrants
were carried out.
New Legislation.
The following Acts, Orders and Regulations, etc., relating to the work of the Public Health
Department, came into operation during the year :—
Act, Order or Regulation Operative From
L.C.C. (General Powers) Act, 1955 21.12.55
Transfer of Functions (Ministry of Food) Order, 1955 7.4.55
Food Standards (Table Jellies) (Amendment) Order, 1955 16.7.55
Transfer of Functions (Food and Drugs) Order, 1955 6.7.55
Poisons List Order, 1955 15.8.55
Food and Drugs Amendment Act, 1954 (Appointed Day) Order, 1955 16.12.55
Slaughter of Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) (Amendment) Regulations, 1955 1.7.55
Anthrax Disinfection Fee (Amendment) Rules, 1955 1.8.55
Poisons Rules, 1955 15.8.55