View report page

5
The Home Help Service has been supplemented by the Good
Neighbour Scheme and this has proved of great value.
Chiropody
There was a further inorease of more than 10 per oent in the
number of aged and handicapped persons treated and a 3 per cent rise in
the number of treatments.
Welfare Section
The 50-bedded 'Amy Woodgate House' was not completed in time to
open during the year but was planned to be in operation early in 1970.
Thi3 additional accommodation is badly needed. It is hoped that a
start on the extension of 'Fircroft' will also be made in 1970. The
second purpose built home plus a day centre is planned for 1971/72.
Recruitment of staff for the old people's homes was as difficult
as in previous years.
Environmental Health
The work of this section will be increased in 1970 as a result
of the Housing Act 1969. This Act lays the emphasis more on improvement
of basically sound dwellings in order to prevent their deterioration to
become slums of the future and to relieve pressure on new housing. This
will cause an increase in improvement grants and a good deal of additional
work on inspection.
School Health Service
School Medical Inspections
During the summer term the scheme of selective medical examinations
of 8-year-old children was extended to all primary sohools.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy for pre-school children was commenced at two more
clinics, making five groups in all. These groups have shown that there
are a number of speech handicapped children who would benefit by a special