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4
Welfare Section
The number of beds available for the elderly has not
increased and in fact Waratah was closed from the end of September
for improvements. The lack of beds has put a strain on the
domiciliary services of all types which help old people who remain
at home. Recruitment of staff for old people's homes is very
difficult and the residential care of the confused elderly continues
to be a big problem in the Borough. During the year twice the
number of short-term admissions of old persons to hospitals were
arranged, compared with the previous year, in order to give old
people and their relatives a change.
The meals-on-wheels kitchen increased its output by
almost 8 per cent.
Building was started in June on a new home to be called
the Amy Woodgate House, which, it is hoped, will be ready for
occupation by the end of 1969.
Domiciliary visiting both to the aged and to the
handicapped showed a considerable increase. Outwork classes for
the handicapped were commenced in April and proved very popular;
the arrival of a second ambulance proved timely in this connection.
Environmental Health
The report on the environmental health services indicates
the enormous variety of the work, visiting and checking that goes
on to protect the health of the inhabitants of the Borough. It is
particularly pleasing to learn that by the end of the year all the
premises known for registration under the Offices, Shops and
Railway Premises Act, 1963 had been inspected and registered. The
number of such premises was 1,647 at the end of the year.
It will be noted that houseboats are quite a problem in
the Borough as compared with the minor one of caravans.
School Health Services
The report again reflects the generally satisfactory
state of health of the school population. Increasing emphasis is
being put on the ascertainment of handicaps in school children.