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Loan of Nursing Equipment
The British Red Cross Society continued to act as agent of the Authority in
providing for the loan of nursing equipment, apart from large items. Items such as
ripple mattreses, hoists and special beds, are hired or purchased by the Authority. A
small loan charge is collected by the Society towards the replacement of equipment,
except in hardship cases, when the charge is paid by the Council.
Incontinence Pads and Clothing
Incontinence pads and clothing are provided free for suitable cases recommended
by General Practitioners or home nurses and are available at all main clinics, 98,000
pads and 480 pairs of waterproof pants and linings were issued during the year.
Home Help Service

Neighbourly Help Service
60 Neighbourly helps were employed at the end of the year and were providing
assistance to 60 households.
Day Nurseries
During the year the number of places available at the Council day nurseries remained
at 165 and these were filled mainly by children coming from one parent families. There
was, however, an increasing number from families where the mother or both parents were
psychiatrically disturbed and as these children — together with a small number of children
in each nursery admitted because of a physical or mental handicap — were not always
regular attenders, the total attendances at the nurseries were not as high as they were
in the previous year.
97
A reasonable staffing ratio was maintained during the year.