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83
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 ail 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 1969, see Appendix page 120.
REHOUSING ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
Dr. C.G. Nicol, Principal Medical Officer inquired into 804 applications
for rehousing on medical grounds in 1969, making 37 personal visits, usually
jointly with a public health inspector, health visitor, or welfare officer. A
further 20 applicants were interviewed at this office.
Sub-division of applications recommended to the Housing and Lettings
Sub-Committee showed the following approximate frequencies:-
Mental disorders 27%
Crippling conditions 19%
Heart Disease 15%
Lung Diseases 13%
Illnesses of children 9%
Cancers 5%
Strokes 3%
Tuberculosis 2%
Other conditions 7%
All the cases involved severe illnesses in circumstances which showed
clearly that ill health was due to housing conditions or that effective treatment
could not be attempted without prior rehousing