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13
Midwives and Home Nurses.
There are 12 midwives and 4 home nurse/midwives in the district
who are appointed by the Essex County Council and are available to
act in the capacity of midwife and of maternity nurse under the supervision
of a registered medical practitioner.
In addition to the home nurse/midwives there are 6 home nurses
working in the district.
Day Nursery.
A Day Nursery is established within the district at Diban Avenue,
Elm Park. It provides accommodation for 50 children up to five years
of age.
Domestic Help Service.
A domestic help service is in operation and is administered
for the Essex County Health Services by the Area Medical Officer, 34
Cresthill Avenue, Grays.
Domestic help can be supplied for a period of two weeks in the case
of a home confinement, but as there is a great demand for this service,
it is essential to apply as early as possible. Where there is illness approval
may be given, upon receipt of a medical certificate, for a Help to attend.
Domestic Helps are paid by the County Council, but the person
assisted is required to contribute towards the cost according to his, or
her, means. An assessment form must, therefore, be completed if it is
desired to claim reduction in the charge, otherwise the full standard
charge, which is at present 4/- an hour, will be payable.
Care of the Aged.
One female of 62 was given Hospital care through a Court Order
made under Section 47, National Assistance Act, 1948 (as amended). It
cannot be too strongly emphasised that it does not give anyone any
pleasure to have to apply to the Court for an Order of this kind. The
very few occasions on which it has been found necessary to take this
course as against the period during which this Act has been in force
amply demonstrates how carefully each case is investigated before a
decision to take the ultimate step of applying for a Court Order is
decided upon. The independence of an individual is never one to be
tampered with unless no other practical course is available. It is a
matter for the most extreme regret that occasionally—but inevitably—
circumstances come to such a pass that no alternative reasonable course
of action but an application for institutional care is open to me.
Meals on Wheels.
I am indebted to Mr. L. F. de Warr. Chairman of the Old People's
Welfare Association for the following information:-
"The Service has uperated six days per week throughout 1963. in-