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50
LOAN OF NURSING- EQUIPMENT
The Kingston and Surbiton Divisions of the British Red
Cross Society operate a scheme for the loan of nursing equipment on
behalf of the Borough Council. The scheme is intended to facilitate
simple short term nursing care in the patients' homes, and under the
arrangement deposits are collected from patients by the British Red
Cross Society and refunded to them when the equipment is returned.
Altogether 548 loans of nursing equipment were made during the year.
The Borough Council makes a grant to the British Red Cross
for this service. The St.John Ambulance Association also has two
centres in the borough, from which small items of equipment are loaned
on request. This body does not receive a Council grant.
CHIROPODY
The chiropody service assists elderly persons, expectant
mothers and the permanently handicapped.
There are two schemes in operation. Under the direct scheme
patients receive treatment from the "approved" chiropodist of their
choice in his own surgery. As at 30 September 197*1, 26 chiropodists
were approved. A patient can be treated at home by the chiropodist if
certified unable to attend the surgery by the family doctor. The
indirect scheme is operated by the local Old People's Welfare Committees
on behalf of the Council.
The following is a summary of the service provided: