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GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES.
Care of the Aged.
The greater expectancy of life, with the increase
of the number of aged people in the community creates many
very special problems and with these a responsibility which
is really that of the whole community. It is in this
field, probably more than in any other, that voluntary effort
is so vital. We are extremely fortunate in the work that
is done in the District by the Old People's Welfare Committee.
Many of the problems, however, are brought to the
Public Health Department and we are then able to call upon the
Health Visitors, Home Nurses, Home Help Organisers, and Public
Health Inspectors to assess the need so that we can estimate
how best to render help.
Retired Persons' Advice Clinics were opened this
year in Wood Green and Southgate. These clinics, are
staffed by one of the County Assistant Medical Officers,
together with a member of the nursing staff. The sessions
are informal and advice is given on health matters and also
on hobbies, activities etc. They are well attended and I
believe are fulfilling a very useful function. Although
no such clinics have yet been established in Friern Barnet it
is hoped to provide this service in the near future.
It seems that there will always be some geriatric
problems which are almost insoluble but these additions to the
services of the elderly will be welcome.
Hospitals.
The remarks contained in the Annual Report for
1961 relating to the hospital services available to Friern
barnet remain more or less unaltered.
Laboratory Facilities.
As in past years, the Central Public Health
Laboratory Service has been of the greatest assistance to us,
not only the Central Laboratory at Oolindale, but also the
Laboratory at Coppetts Wood Hospital. I gratefully
acknowledge the assistance afforded throughout the year, and
the close co-operation which has continued for so many years
between the Public Health Department and the Laboratory
Service.
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