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need companionship in their pre-school years and because of the
lack of nursery schools, mothers with small children of their own,
and voluntary organisations, are setting up small play groups.
These, although not formally registered, are regularly visited.
NURSING HOMES
Under part 6 of the Public Health Act, 1936, the Nursing
Homes Act, 1963, and regulations made thereunder, it is the duty
of the Local Health Authorities to register and inspect nursing
homes. These premises have been inspected six monthly by the
Senior Medical Officer and following his visit, by the Fire Officer.
The different requirements of the constituent authorities are
being unified so that a complete standard pattern of requirements
will operate. Details of the homes at present on the register are as
under:—
Number of Nursing Homes, 1.4.65 18
Number of Nursing Homes, 31.12.65 19
Nursing Homes closed in 1965 0
Nursing Homes registered in 1965 1
Number of Beds provided at 1.4.65 310
Number of Beds provided at 31.12.65 335
Unmarried Mothers' Homes
(Registered as Nursing Homes) 2
Number of Beds 23
Number of Cots 11
CYTOLOGY
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, the Council,
in co-operation with general medical practitioners and the hospitals,
is providing publicity and clinics for exfoliative cytology for the
detection of cervical carcinoma.
A pilot scheme was introduced at the end of the year to
provide this service, by appointment, for women between the ages
of 25 years and 55 years, who are resident in the Borough.
Three clinics have been opened and others will be commenced
as the demand increases.
Co-ordinated arrangements exist for notifying the result to
the patient, the family doctor and the local health authority.
Where necessary, routine follow-up tests will be arranged.
By the end of the year 535 applications for the service had
been received.