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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 Woodside
House on 23rd February, 1962. 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 fulfulling a very useful function.
During 1962 plans went forward for the establishment at
Shropshire Hall of an Elderly Persons Work Centre and on 31st
December 1962 the organiser was appointed. The Centre was opened
in February of 1963 and has proved of such value and popularity
that it is hoped to extend this scheme to other parts of the
Borough.
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
appointment of a Geriatrician at St. Ann' s Hospital to serve this
part of the County.
Hospitals
Hospital Services available to the residents of Wood Green
are as reported in previous years but the appointment of a
Geriatrician already referred to has closed what was a very
serious gap in the service.
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