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The public in general are becoming still more "foot conscious", and it is
quite obvious that we contribute substantially to the effective mobility and
welfare of our elderly people.
I have now a more general knowledge of the large new area covered by our
health service and the patients drawn into our chiropody services from the
various districts, which makes me convinced that our clinic coverage is far from
adequate. To provide a first-class service, further clinics are required in the
Upney Lane, Becontree, Oxlow Lane and Kingsley Hall areas. Patients in each of
these districts have to travel rather a long way for their treatments.
Old People's Homes
This service is, without doubt, the most stable of our activities. The
number of patients remain constant and the easy regulation of treatments makes
the outcome very satisfactory.
Domiciliary
The demands made on the domiciliary service increase because of our ageing
housebound population. Circulatory and rheumatic conditions present an evergrowing
problem. More chiropodists are needed to cope with the demand in this
field. We are receiving daily requests for our attention from doctors, health
visitors and welfare officials.
Footwear Education
Much good work has been done in this direction by our individual contacts
with both young and old people, using literature and personal demonstrations.
There is very much more that could be done along these lines for it is unfortunately
true that our young people - in particular girls - are creating very
serious conditions which will cause them to have a lot of trouble as they get
older. It is not possible, due to our staff shortage, to direct chiropodists to
this educational side owing to the requirements of the number of patients needing
treatment.
Conclusion
My concluding remarks for the year would be that more staff cure needed to
provide an adequate service - with this should go the establishment of more
foot clinics.