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26
In addition to first aid duties and regular auxiliary nursing in
the hospitals of the neighbourhood, invaluable assistance is
rendered in home visiting of the sick and aged, diversional therapy
for the home bound, auxiliary hospital services, and escort duties.
A road hut at Ruxley is manned on Sundays and Bank Holidays,
to render first aid in case of road accidents.
The St. John Ambulance Brigade.
The Sidcup Brigade continues to offer personnel trained in
first aid for attendances at public gatherings, to accompany children
and aged persons and to escort patients undertaking long journeys.
During 1955 members of the local Division have put in 2,500
nursing hours.
Chislehurst and Sidcup Voluntary Tuberculosis Care Committee.
I am indebted to the Liaison Officer of this Committee for the
following information on its work during 1955 :—
The Committee has been very active and help has been extended
whenever possible to many families ; in most cases the help has
followed the usual pattern—help with fuel during the winter months,
assistance with fares to visit patients, hire purchase debts, clothing,
bedding, furniture, etc. Financial help has also been obtained from
other organisations, such as S.S.A.F.A., W.V.S., British Legion, and
British Red Cross Society, and the closest co-operation has been
maintained between all statutory bodies. Many home visits were
paid, and an office is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the United Services Club. 108, Main
Road, Sidcup, for all patients or their representatives to call and see
the Liaison Officer to discuss their many problems and to obtain
whatever help is necessary. Employment presents a problem, as
most patients are considered fit for light work only, but in this
respect we have the closest co-operation with many local firms and
whenever possible they will help when a suitable vacancy occurs.
Toys are distributed at Christmas time via the Chairman of the
Council, and help is often given by various sources in the form of
grocery parcels for distribution to patients.
Women's Voluntary Services.
The work of the Women's Voluntary Service continues throughout
the district and emphasis has again been laid on the welfare of
old people.
Wheel chairs are loaned and escorts are provided to assist those
attending hospital. Assistance is given in the Outpatients'