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SECTION 5
GENERAL
ESTABLISHMENTS FOR MASSAGE AND SPECIAL TREATMENT
There are 24 establishments registered in the Borough. In addition four
exemptions were granted in respect of establishments run by members of the
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
During 1962 further provisions of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine
Act, 1960, have been brought into operation.
The Act provides for the establishment of Boards to promote a high standard
of professional education and conduct for Chiropodists, Dietitians, Medical
Laboratory Technicians, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Radiographers
and Remedial Gymnasts. These Board will have the function of maintaining a
Register of those who have attended courses of training approved by the Board,
or in the case of existing practitioners those who are considered suitably qualified
by reason of practical experience before the appointed day. Registered persons will
be entitled to use the title of State Registered Chiropodist, etc. A Council for
Professions Supplementary to Medicine is to co-ordinate and supervise the activities
of the Boards.
During 1961 the provisions of the Act which were brought into operation were
the establishment of the Council and Boards for the various professions, and during
1962 the preparation of registers began and qualifications for registration were
prescribed. In addition, under the National Health Services (Medical Auxiliaries)
Regulations, 1962, registration under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine
Act became a qualification for employment as a medical auxiliary in the National
Health Service.
Ealing has long endeavoured to ensure that the qualifications of Chiropodists and
Physiotherapists in private practice in the Borough are as high as those who are
employed by the County Council in its clinics and by hospitals in the Borough under
the National Health Service Act. It has never seemed reasonable, in my opinion,
that persons having treatment from private chiropodists or physiotherapists should
be receiving it from a person whose qualifications are not sufficient to enable him
to get employment in the National Health Service.
It is hoped that in due course the new Act will have the result of regulating these
professions so that the public can be assured with confidence that they are receiving
treatment from a chiropodist or physiotherapist who has had a sound theoretical
training backed by practical experience. This is far from the case at present.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948
Section 50—Burial of the Dead
During the year seven burials were carried out. The cost of three had to be
written off as irrecoverable. Part of the cost was recovered in two instances and in
the other two the total cost was recovered by means of Death Grants.
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