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MEDICO—SOCIAL ASSESSMENT CENTRE
FOR THE OVER SIXTIES
In September shortly after the new Oxlow Lane clinic was opened, it was decided
to inaugurate a centre for the over sixties in the new premises. This centre has been
established in order to study old age and to attempt to delay as far as possible the onset
of senility by treating minor conditions and by giving helpful and practical advice on
the medical and social problems of the ageing.
Sessions are held each Friday morning and the centre is staffed by a medical officer
and a health visitor; patients are seen by the medical officer by agreement with their
general practitioners and by appointment only, although 'old' patients are encouraged
to drop in on Friday mornings for a cup of tea.
Each patient is encouraged to discuss with the medical officer any problem he has,
and various investigations such as X-ray of chest, blood and urine examinations are
arranged and a general medical examination is carried out. Only minor remedial
treatments are given at the clinic as it is felt that anything more than that is the province
of the patient's own doctor, to whom he is referred when necessary. In all cases a full
report of the findings is sent to the general practitioner.
By the end of the year, even though the session had to be cancelled on a number
of occasions because of bad weather, and even though it was possible to see only three
patients in a 2\ hour session, it was obvious that there was a need for such a centre.
The procedures carried out at the centre are modified from time to time depending
on the experience gained; it is hoped however, that a more detailed report can be given
at the end of 1958 when a pattern may have been established for the future.
It is already evident that the occasional services of a geriatric consultant are needed
and that physiotherapy and occupational therapy should be made available to carry out
preventive treatment at the centre.
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