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Maternity
The number of maternity cases served showed a slight increase
as compared with 1955, from 74 to 77.
Tuberculosis
Sixteen homes were provided with help necessitated by the
presence of a tuberculous patient. Though the numbers served
were small, the service provided was of immense value.
Care of the Aged
The increased services of the domestic helps given to the aged
is shown in the table. The figures show an increase in the number
of cases of chronic sick of 44. This increase is doubtless due to a
variety of factors—not least the increasing number of aged in the
population. This combined with the shortage of accommodation
for the old both in hospital and accommodation provided under
Part III of the National Assistance Act, 1948, increases the strain
put upon the service.
The domestic helps in many cases do far more for the aged
than duty demands, and are looked upon by them as friends who
help to lessen the burden of loneliness in their advancing years.
Care of Children
In cases where the mother of a family has been admitted to
hospital the service has been called upon to help to run the home
and keep the family together.
Not only has this been achieved, but in a number of cases
the helps have visited the mother in hospital to assure her that her
family is being cared for during her absence.
This has no doubt contributed to the mother's peace of mind
and ultimately helped towards her recovery.
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