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38
IMMUNISATION
Smallpox cases in other parts of the country led to an unusual
demand for vaccination. Over 28,000 persons were vaccinated
or re-vaccinated during the year; a sevenfold increase on 1961.
To this setback to the ordinary immunisation programme was added
a report of suspicion of the safety of oral polio vaccine.
Finally more discussions at national level questioned the timing
of various procedures. Consequently it is not surprising that
our records of children protected against diphtheria and polio
are not as good as is usually the case. Fortunately doubts about
polio vaccine proved unfounded and arrangements were made to intensify
primary and "booster" immunisation efforts during the
current year.
Tables are given in the Appendix, page 122
HOME NURSING
The national trend of fewer visits by District Nurses is reflected
in local figures. This is undoubtedly due to the development
of oral antibiotics which do away with the need for
injections.
Lectures on "New Surgical Procedures", "The treatment of
Varicose Veins" and on "Mental Illnesses" were arranged. These
were subjects specifically chosen hy the nursing staff.
For detail ed statistics see page, 108-110
CONVALESCENCE
The Corporation accepts financial responsibility for convalescence
recommended by general practitioners. Each patient
recommended must have had a definite illness or accident and
must go to a recognised Convalescent Home. The Corporation recovers
part or all the cost according to the income of the
patient and in accordance with a definite assessment scale.
Certain patients may receive convalescent treatment free, including
Old Age Pensioners. Every effort is made to suit the
Patient to the particular Home, as different Homes cater for
different age groups and different kinds of medical or surgical
condition.
During the year 27 cases were so dealt with, 18 women and 9
men. There were in addition, 13 cases where the patients cancelled
their applications after the arrangements had been made.
These figures do not include school children for whom
arrangements are made by the Education Committee.