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LONGSTAY IMMIGRANTS.
Following a request from the Ministry of Health visits were made to
long-stay immigrants so that they may be made aware of the health and
social facilities available, particularly to children. The department was
notified of all new arrivals to the borough. Parents with families and
single women were visited in the first instance by the specialist Health
Visitor appointed to deal with the problems of the immigrants, and single
men by the public health inspector. After the initial visit families became
the responsibility of the district health visitor unless there was
some reason why they should remain under the care of the specialist
Health Visitor, Mrs Glucksmann, the Health Visitor seconded to these
duties, represented the department on the Committee of Croydon International
Association, which deals exclusively with the welfare of any
immigrant. She also attended any meetings arranged by other bodies dealing
with this section of the population.
For details of arrivals in 1967, see Appendix page 123.
RE-HOUSING FOR MEDICAL REASONS
Dr. C.G. Nicol, Principal Medical Officer, reports enquiring into 830
applications in 1967 for rehousing on medical grounds. He made 150
personal visits of inspection, sometimes accompanied by a public health
inspector, health visitor, or welfare officer. An approximate sub-division
of the applications recommended for special consideration by the Housing
Lettings Sub-Committee showed:-
30% cases of - serious heart failure
15% cases of - severe breathlessness from chronic
bronchitis and emphysema.
15% cases of - serious disability following crippling
strokes.
15% cases of — obvious hazards to premature infants
or chronically ill children.
10% cases of - cancer
10% cases of - infectious tuberculosis
3% cases of - severe mental disorder
2% cases of - other miscellaneous conditions
One unusual application concerned the home treatment of a patient
with kidney failure. A recommended transfer to a Council house with an
extra bedroom and electrical and plumbing adaptations allowed the use
at home of an artificial kidney machine. Domiciliary treatment has considerable
advantages of hospital in-patient care in these cases, and the
ready help of the Housing Department ensured this being speedily arranged.