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16
Junior Training Centre is opened and special transport is provided.
The pressing requirements in the future include an Adult
Training Centre and hostels providing short and long stay accommodation
separately for mentally handicapped children and adults.
The Committee received a report on long term patients discharged
from a mental subnormality hospital and advised on future policy.
The Welfare Service shows continued expansion of the services
for the handicapped, especially for the blind and deaf.
As indicated last year, the provision of a Mobility Instructor
in the long cane technique for the blind has proved valuable.
An additional two special vehicles for the disabled are to be provided
next year.
In July, the Committee received a comprehensive report on
the Chiropody Service which showed that from the 1st April, 1965.
there had been approximately each year 8,700 domiciliary and
16,300 clinic and private surgery treatments.
The establishment of a new 46 bedded residential home and
day centre at Mickleham Road, St. Paul's Cray was approved and
building commenced in May.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Heads of Sections and all
my staff for their loyal and zealous services throughout the year.
The new offices in Sherman House to be shared with the Borough
Treasurer's Department will soon be occupied and in so many
ways will provide more congenial conditions than have been possible
since the 1st April, 1965, and it is appropriate now to record
thanks for the excellent administrative and clerical services that
have been provided in such limited accommodation over the past
few years.
I wish to acknowledge the co-operation of other Health
Services staff, including hospital officers, general medical practitioners
and administrative officers of the Executive Council and
Local Medical Committee. Other voluntary organisations in the
Borough and staff of the Council of Social Service have made a
valuable contribution, particularly in the fields of mental health
and care of the elderly.
Finally, I would like to thank the members of the Council
and especially the Chairman and members of the Health, Welfare
and Children Committee, and to seek continuing support in the
challenging years ahead.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Medical Officer of Health.