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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 Borough 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.
The Retired Persons' Advice Clinic was opened at Ruth
Winston House on 30th March. This clinic is held on alternate
Friday afternoons and is 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. These are well attended and I
believe are fulfilling a very useful function.
It seems that there will always be some geriatric problems
which are almost insoluble but these additions to the services of
the elderly are very welcome. A further great asset is the appoint'
ment of a Geriatrician at the North Middlesex Hospital to serve
this part of the County.
Hospitals
Hospital services available to residents of Southgate arte as
reported in previous years, but the appointment of a geriatrician
referred to in the previous paragraph of this report has closed a
very serious gap in the service.
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 Colindale but also the Laboratory housed in
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