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88
BLINDNESS
I am endebted to the Chief Welfare Officer for access to his records
regarding blind persons registered during the year.
These show that of the 78 cases registered:—
9 were due to glaucoma and
24 to cataract
Of the cases where surgical treatment had been recommended, subsequent
follow-up showed it had either been performed or would be carried
out except:—
6 patients had died.
EPILEPTICS
Reference is made in the school health section of this report regarding
the number of cases known to the department. In addition the Chief Welfare
Officer informs me that 112 adult cases are registered with his department.
10 of whom are in special homes.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT. 1948. SECTION 47
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE (AMENDMENT) ACT. 1951
During 1970 one order for compulsory removal was required:—
One elderly lady, over 80 years of age, seriously ill and unable to care
for herself, was admitted to Queen's Hospital.
HOME DIALYSIS
Since the introduction of these units into service it has been possible for
hospitals to discharge patients with kidney failure to continue intermittent
dialysis at home. The units are provided by the hospital service but their
installation requires certain building and planning adaptations at the patient's
home. Through the courtesy of the Housing and Building Maintenance Manager
this work is undertaken by his department where there is now a small team
with expert knowledge of the processes involved. At the time of writing adaptations
have been made to five homes during the past three years and there
are two further cases in prospect.