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14. CARE OF OLD PEOPLE.
The problem of old people, especially the aged and
chronic infirm, is one which constantly occupies our attention.
This is a problem with numerous facets, in which
many bodies and authorities are concerned. Although the
problem of old age is predominantly a welfare matter, it
will be obvious that it is one which cannot be disassociated
with public health.
Up to the moment, our activities have mainly been
directed towards the supply of Home Helps and Home Nurses,
where admission to hospital is either undesirable or cannot
he arranged. We also use our Health Visitors to visit old
people in their homes, while we assist at least one large
hospital in paying geriatric visits.
I ana especially perturbed to think that cases of
extreme hardship occur among old people which may never
come to our attention. For this reason I recently addressed
a letter to general practitioners and to local organisations,
asking them to let us know whenever such cases are discovered,
so that we might play our part in helping to effect a remedy.
I have also instructed my staff to act in a similar capacity.
There is no doubt that the question of old age and its
problems is one which is not only here to stay, but which
will obviously increase. I am of opinion that steps might
be taken to correlate the activities of all the various
bodies engaged in this work, so that over-lapping could be
avoided and the best practical results achieved in the
shortest time.
15. CO-OPERATION.
A feature of our-work in Area No. 2 has always been
co-operation with other bodies. I am happy to think that
we offer and receive cordial co-operation from those other
authorities and bodies with whom we come into contact.
Thus, our relations with the district councils which constitute
the Area, with Hospital Management Committees and
hospitals generally, with general practitioners and with
voluntary bodies, have been close and cordial. I am
completely satisfied that this aspect of our work is important,
and that it must never be neglected.
As an instance of what is being done, it might be
noted that the Area Health Staff is represented on the
Executive Committee of.the North Middlesex Division of
the British Medical Association, the Liaison Committee
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