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occasional requests were received during the year for many other items.
These included a hydraulic hoist, crutches, walking sticks, walking aids,
rubber mattresses, bed cradles, etc. This service is very much appreciated
by the patients and their families, and helps many patients to be
cared for in their own homes in a proper manner, and in a degree of
comfort, which would only be available by their admission to hospital.
Recuperative Holidays
During the year, 53 persons, on the recommendation of their
medical practitioner, were sent to convalescent homes for a recuperative
holiday. In most instances the period recommended was two weeks.
Milk for Tuberculous Patients
Free milk was provided throughout the year to tuberculous
patients vhen recommended by the Chest Physician. Following the
downward trend in the incidence of Tuberculosis, the number of
patients receiving milk declined from 84 to 69 during the year.
Domestic Help Service
There were approximately 100 part-time Domestic Helps engaged
in the ho nes of patients throughout the year, 642 patients were helped
and the otal number of hours service given amounted to 94,741.
Equivalet figures for 1959 were 673 patients, 90,263 hours. More than
half the patients assisted in 1960 (376) were in the category of aged
chronic sick, 65,181 of the total number of hours service being provided
for them.
Night Attendance Service
This service which was commenced in the latter part of 1959,
is administered by the Domestic Help Organiser. The demand for the
services of the night attendants has not been as great as had been
anticipated, but no doubt more calls will be made on it as it becomes
more widely known that such facilities exist. Ten patients were provided
with a night attendant during the year, the total number of hours
involved being 979.
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