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101
CHIROPODY SERVICE.- During 1959 the Minister
of Health indicated that he was prepared to receive proposals
from Local Health Authorities wishing to establish or extend
a chiropody service as part of their arrangements for the
prevention of illness, care and after-care under Section 28(l)
of the National Health Service Act 1946. Such proposals
were submitted by the County Council and approved by the
Minister, including the setting up of a service in those Areas,
of which Ilford was one, where none was already operating.
It was decided that treatment would be given so far as
practicable only in premises owned or hired by the County
Council and by salaried officers, and that initially priority
would be given to the provision of comprehensive facilities
for the elderly, the physically handicapped and expectant
mothers, although these would be extended to other categories
when circumstances permitted.
Authority was given to appoint two full-time chiropodists
for Ilford in the first instance. The posts were advertised
in December 1959 and two appointments were made,
the successful candidates taking up duty in March and April
I960 respectively. A third post is now in process of being
filled.
With the removal of most of the clinic services from
Newbury Hall to the new Kenwood Gardens Health Services
Clinic it was possible to rent part of the ground floor accommodation
at that Hall as our main chiropody clinic, with
two chairs. In addition sessions are held at the health
services clinics.
Arrangements have now been made for the chiropodists
to visit regularly the two Welfare Committee residential
establishments in the Area and to undertake domiciliary
chiropody in the case of patients who are unable to
travel even by ambulance vehicle to the chiropody clinics.
TUBERCULOSIS VISITORS.- The three Tuberculosis
Visitors made a total of 2, 592 visits to homes in the Borough.
DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST.- The
Domiciliary Occupational Therapist, who also serves in
Romford, Dagenham, Barking and part of the Forest Health
Areas, undertook the following visits in Ilford during 1959:-