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86
LONGSTAY IMMIGRANTS
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 1968, see Appendix page 121.
REHOUSING FOR MEDICAL REASONS
Dr. C.G. Nieol, Principal Medical Officer, inquired into 873 applications
in 1968 for rehousing on medical grounds. He made 98 personal
visits, sometimes jointly with a public health inspector, health visitor or
welfare officer. A further. 17 applicants were interviewed at this office.
An approximate sub-division of applications recommended to the
Housing and Lettings Sub-Committee showed -
16. per cent cases of serious heart and allied disease
14.5 per cent cases of severe breathlessness from chronic
bronchitis emphysema or asthma
3.8 per cent cases of serious disability following crippling
strokes
22. per cent cases of other crippling conditions
4. per cent cases of obvious hazards to premature infants
or chronically ill children
3.6 per cent cases of cancer
3.6 per cent cases of tuberculosis
21.2 per cent cases of severe mental disorder
11.3 per cent cases of other serious conditions