View report page

76
BLINDNESS
I am indebted to the Chief Welfare Officer for access to Ms
records regarding blind persons registered during the year.
These show that of the 66 cases registered -
7 were due to glaucoma and
20 to cataract.
Of the cases where surgical treatment had been recommended,
subsequent follow-up showed it had been performed except:-
2 too ill for surgical treatment
1 patient deceased
2 consents not forthcoming
PROBLEM FAMILIES
The established procedure of the monthly Conference of voluntary
organisations, and statutory authorities concerned with
"Children Neglected or Ill-treated in their own Homes" continued
throughout the year. The Health Committee agreed that the experiment
of allocating selected Home Helps to potential problem
families should go on and eight cases were dealt with during
1956. The position at the end of the year was:-
Case 1. Mother now in a mental hospital for an indefinite period.
Five children being cared for by a relative.
Case 2. Mother of two children. Father in regular employment.
Family now managing well without help.
Case 3. Widowed mother of five children. Mother physically handicapped,
now managing very well with assistance of ordinary
Home Help for heavy work.
Case 4. Mother of three children. Father working spasmodically.
This family was rehoused and given a great deal of assistance
and encouragement. The home conditions are improved
and the children better fed and clothed. Over the year
progress has been made, but it has been slow and intermittent.
Case 5. Divorced mother of five children. In spite of much help
and encouragement, the three youngest children were admitted
to Dr. Barnardo' s Homes, the mother and two remaining
children have been rehoused and are managing without
help.