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47
GENERAL SERVICES
HOME DIALYSIS
Adaptations required in the home preparatory to the installation of
the dialysis machine can be carried out by the local health authority under
Section 12 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. In July,
following the recommendation of the Health Committee, the Council
agreed to provide adaptations to homes free to owner-occupiers in the
same way as provision is made for tenants and that where the provision
of a Portakabin (a prefabricated unit) is found to be necessary, these can
be loaned and installed free of charge.
In November arrangements were made to install a Portakabin in a
patient's back garden in North Harrow to which there was no access from
the road. As it was not practical to close the road for the length of time
required to lift the equipment in by crane, it was thought that installation
could be expeditiously performed by using a helicopter. This would
dispel any inconvenience likely to be caused to the general public. On
seeking advice from the Ministry of Defence on the matter they agreed to
provide an R.A.F. helicopter for any assistance required.
This combined operation was successfully carried out on a Sunday
morning. The helicopter picked up the Portakabin from a Council lorry
parked near the house and only took 10 minutes to lower it onto the
concrete base in the patient's garden.
It is very gratifying to know that we can obtain assistance in this way
to help individual patients.
There are now 4 patients residing in the Borough who have had a
dialysis machine installed in their home.
Nursing Homes
These are private establishments which provide accommodation for
various types of patients. Section 187 of the Public Health Act 1936
requires that these homes shall be registered with the local health authority.
Additional powers for supervision are exercised under the Mental Health
Act 1959, and the Nursing Homes Act 1963.