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It is noted also that last year's improvement in regard to complaints
of rat and mouse infestations has not been maintained, and the figure
is back to the high level of over 700 complaints a year. This is another
figure, the yearly consistency of which is of interest.
This year the Report includes for the first time, the number of
families provided with a Home Help, weekly and throughout the year,
and shews that this Service is carrying out a very big task. In addition,
certain Home Helps care for young children in their own homes when
the mother is temporarily away from home—the Family Help Service—
and others care for the aged sick in their homes in extreme emergencies
—the Night Attendant Service.
The District Officer reports two very favourable developmentsCo)
increased adaptations of homes of handicapped persons so that
invalid chairs can become more useful, or special appliances can be
used, and (b) a decrease in the number of persons waiting for admission
to Old Persons Homes. The waiting list is still high for this Part III
accommodation, and it is also difficult to get accommodation in
hospitals. In one important way relatives of elderly persons could help
the Authorities by giving notice of proposed holidays to enable the
Authority to obtain temporary accommodation for the elderly or
handicapped for a short period, and so relieve neighbours of the onus
of supervision where this is necessary. The provision of an information
service in both directions is vital to the care of the elderly, and the
Report gives an account of the various Services at present known to
exist in the borough.
I wish to conclude by expressing my thanks to the Chairman and
Members of the Health Committee for their patience and confidence
in the staff that they have shewn throughout the year ; to my colleagues
in general practice and in the hospital services of the borough for their
industry, understanding and co-operation ; to Dr. Elliott and members
of the County Health Services for wise advice and helpful reports and
to my own staff for the energy, enterprise and tact so necessary in
public service which they have given in full measure.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Medical Officer of Health.
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