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38
FOOT CLINIC.
I was instructed to report to the Public Health Committee
on the establishment of a Municipal Foot Clinic.
Extract from report of Medical Officer of Health, March,
1935
In accordance with instruction of the Council at its last meeting I
submit the following observations and suggestions on the establishment of
a municipal foot clinic in the Borough.
The ideal form of health education is the effective administration of
the health services in the area, and all municipal clinics should be standing
object lessons to the public. Under the provisions of the Essex County
Council Act, 1933, this Corporation is now the Authority responsible for
the licensing and supervision of Establishments for Massage and Special
Treatment (including Chiropody) in the area; and it is therefore more
than ever desirable that any foot clinic established by the Council should
be a model to practising chiropodists with regard to premises, equipment,
staffing and administration.
Staff.—Judging from the success which has attended the establishment
of other municipal clinics, I do not think it would be possible for one
chiropodist to deal with the number of patients likely to attend for treatment.
The success or otherwise of the arrangements for treatment will
depend primarily on the qualifications and experience of the chiropodist
in charge; and both chiropodists should possess the qualification of a
recognised teaching school of chiropody.
Senior chiropodist (preferably male).
Assistant chiropodist (preferably female).
Clerk receptionist.
Accommodation Required.
Office.
Waiting room.
Two treatment rooms.
Rest room.
Sessions.
Eleven sessions per week, three to be held in evenings.
Appointments.
To be made at the rate of 3 to 4 per hour per operator.
Charges.
Treatment limited to residents in Borough.
No charge to old age pensioners and unemployed.
Full charge:—1s. 6d. for one foot, 2s. 6d. for two feet.
This scheme was approved in principle and the Medical Officer
of Health was requested to report on premises which could be suitably
adopted. Eventually accommodation was secured in the
recently-erected Public Baths premises situated in the High Road,