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97
Hard of hearing clubs have been opened at Orpington and
Beckenham. The clubs have formed branches of a London Borough
of Bromley Social Club for the Hard of Hearing and, although the
membership is small compared to the number of people with
hearing losses in the borough, their activities are varied and
expanding.
During the year, through co-operation with the School Health
Section and the Education Department, efforts have been made to
offer a parent guidance service to parents of deaf children. Advice
is also offered to the families of potential school leavers during the
period of change from school to employment and adulthood.
Temporary Accommodation
The provision of units of accommodation for temporary use
by homeless families was increased by two during the year, to bring
the total available units to twenty-two. Special provision is made
for families made homeless by fire or flood emergency. In all
thirty-six families have been assisted during the year.
Burials
The Council has a responsibility under Section 50, National
Assistance Act, 1948, to arrange for the burial or cremation of the
body of any person found dead in the Borough area, where it
appears that no suitable arrangements are being made. The Council
cannot, however, assist financially any individual who has arranged
a burial. There have been six cases dealt with during the year.
Receivership
The Chief Welfare Officer was appointed by the Council to
act as Receiver in cases where the individual client was not able to
look after his or her own affairs. This appointment necessitates an
application being submitted to the Court of Protection if and when
the occasion arises. During the year, it has been necessary to seek
appointments as Receiver of five clients. In addition, the finances of
a further two clients have been "budgeted" by the Receiver on
instructions through short-term orders from the Court.
Chiropody
At its meeting on the 22nd January, 1969, the Health Welfare
and Children Committee considered a comprehensive report of the
Chief Welfare Officer on the chiropody service. At this meeting
the Committee resolved to increase the cost of treatment from
5/- to 7/6 as from 1st April, 1969. In the resolution provision
was made for remission of the charge on hardship grounds. 26,060
treatments were given under the Council Scheme. 102 patients
requested a remission of fees and after careful consideration
remission was granted in 15 cases.