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In addition, 911 patients received 5,403 treatments at centres, chiropodists'
surgeries, or in their own homes, through the service provided by the voluntary
organisations. The voluntary organisations involved are the two local divisions of
the British Red Cross Society who provide the service at centres and in the patients'
homes, the Southgate Social Service Council who provide the service in chiropodists'
surgeries, and the Southgate Old People's Welfare Committee who provide the
service at a centre and in the patients' homes.
The service provided for school children under the Education Act, 1944, is
described elsewhere.
The following is an extract from the report of the Chief Chiropodist:
" With the opening of a new clinic in July at the Combined Clinic in New
Southgate the number of foot clinics at the Council's clinic premises has
risen to eight. Plans are also under consideration for the provision of
two further clinics in the Winchmore Hill and Edmonton areas.
" The year has once again demonstrated the need for the chiropody
service, and I am sure that this service has continued to be of particular
benefit to the elderly. Without it many would be completely housebound."
Venereal Disease
The Borough shares with two of its neighbours the services of a medical social
worker, whose duty it is to trace contacts, follow-up treatment defaulters and assist
patients in meeting social problems.
There is no special clinic in the Borough and the majority of patients attend
the Prince of Wales' Hospital in Tottenham. In their efforts to preserve anonymity
patients tend to present themselves at clinics far removed from their home district
but figures of incidence are available from three London Hospitals in respect of
Enfield patients. A total of 465 new patients attended these hospital clinics during
the year.
Since time immemorial there has been a high prevalence of venereal diseases
with their dread attendant consequences. Although the prevalence remains high
today the consequences, due to modern therapy, are rarely seen.
In no disease is control of spread more difficult. It is not notifiable but treatment
must be readily available, contacts must be traced and treated, ignorance
must be eradicated and all must be strictly confidential.
Health education especially in schools and youth organisations has been carried
out over a number of years with seemingly little effect.
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