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GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
Care of the Aged
The increasing number of elderly people in the community
entails a constant increase in the scope and size of the problems
relating to the aged. Much of the time and thought of the Medical
Officer of Health is spent dealing with such problems, and in this
field there is particularly close contact between the Health Visitors,
Home Nurses, Home Help Supervisors and Public Health
Inspectors.
The members of the Old People's Welfare Committee continue
to give generously of their time and effort in this service.
The Retired Persons Advice Clinic, which was initiated last
year, continues to serve a useful function. It is held at Ruth
Winston House on alternate Friday afternoons and is staffed by
one of the County Assistant Medical Officers, together with a
member of the nursing staff. The multitude of social problems
which adversely affect the health of the elderly make such an
informal consultative clinic a valuable asset in preventive medicine.
Laundry Service for Sick Aged Persons
In February, 1963, in conjunction with the Wood Green
Borough Council, and the Friern Barnet Urban District Council,
the Council agreed to participate in a joint scheme for providing
a service for the laundering of bedclothes belonging to aged and
incontinent persons. The service commenced in May. The whole
of the work is done at the laundry attached to the Wood Green
Borough Council's Swimming Bath in Western Road. N.22. I am
pleased to report that the arrangements made have worked
admirably, that the service provided has been a success, and,
furthermore, that I am satisfied it has supplied the solution to a
very difficult problem.
Chiropody Service
In the Chiropody Service also there is some progress to be
reported. We have obtained the additional services of a part-time
chiropodist on the Area staff and are now able to hold three sessions
of chiropody per week at de Bohun Clinic, N.14. Additional time
has also been made available for home treatment.
Hospitals
The General Hospital services available to the people of Southgate
continue as in previous years. The appointment last year of a
Geriatrician has certainly eased some of the difficulties in the
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