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Section 28— Prevention of Illness, Care and After Care
Chiropody
A chiropody service is available to expectant mothers, handicapped
persons and the elderly, but is almost exclusively used by elderly persons.
The British Red Cross Society deals exclusively with domiciliary cases and
is paid a per capita fee for each treatment provided by them.
During the year 43 sessions per week were held in various clinics,
throughout the Borough, and the British Red Cross provided two sessions
of domiciliary treatment each week. The staff establishment was 4
chiropodists (whole-time equivalent) and in post there were 2 full-time
chiropodists and 6 part-time chiropodists (sessional) providing a total
whole-time equivalent of 3.8. Clerical support was provided from the
departmental staff in Hanover House. In respect of persons unable to
travel by other means to clinic premises transport was provided upon
production of a note from a doctor. The number of persons provided with
the transport service amounted to 171.
The service was reviewed in September, 1968, and in view of the
substantial increase in the number of applicants for this service since 1965,
and the extent of the current waiting list, it was decided to increase the
establishment from 4 to 5 chiropodists. In addition as it was felt desirable
that in a service of this nature there should be a professional person
responsible to the Medical Officer of Health for overall organisation, the
additional post was designated, Chief Chiropodist. Also in view of the fact
that there seemed to be a need to increase domiciliary sessions it was
decided that the Council's direct service should extend to domiciliary work
leaving the British Red Cross Society to continue with its present case load.

During the year, 1968, the local branch of the British Red Cross
Society carried out 1,092 treatments which were all domiciliary.