London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Beckenham 1957

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beckenham]

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Chiropody Service
Once a week a clinic is held at 45, Beckenham Road, and the
chiropodist also visits Thornton House. Another chiropodist sees
persons at her own home. Fees are reduced in all cases.
Guilds
Main service is in finding needy cases, visiting and helping
towards funds.
Inner Wheel
Help with funds, visits and providing afternoon teas at
Thornton House.
Clubs
The Veterans Club is a men's club which is self-supporting
and meets each Thursday afternoon at the Azelia Club. Darby
and Joan Clubs are mentioned among the activities of the W.V.S.
Ascertainment
Most old persons in the course of a year need to contact their
own doctors. Others are put in touch with services through
contacts with friends who are members of clubs or through the
British Red Cross, or by visits from Health Visitors, Almoners
or Officers of National Assistance Board. But in the main it is
medical practitioners who find the needful old persons.
Services
Many services are listed in the report of the Women's Voluntary
Service, but mention can be made of two services.
In this area there seems little call for the night attendant
service, as most old persons live with or near relatives. There is no
call for a laundry service as a private firm arrange for old persons'
laundry to be dealt with for a reduced charge on production of
the old age pension book.
The cadet service of the B.R.C.S., and certain school children
do shopping for older persons and help with parcels at Christmas.
Organisations represented on the Committee are :—
W.V.S. and Over 60's Club.
National Assistance Board.
Anglican Churches.
British Red Cross.
Women's Co-operative Guild.
Inner Wheel.
W.V.S. and Darby and Joan Clubs.
Beckenham Women's Citizens' Association.
Women's Free Church Council.
Rotary and Veterans' Clubs.
Eden Park Co-operative Guild.
Home Help Service (K.C.C.).
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