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15
The urgent need in connection with the chronic sick appears
to be the provision of convalescent annexes to hospitals admitting
such patients so that after rehabilitation they can be sent there
so as to lessen the need for skilled nursing attention. Somewhat
similar provision might be made by local authorities, particularly
to deal with those distressing cases where the home has, for various
reasons, become unavailable, so rendering an otherwise fairly fit
elderly person tied to an institution with a consequent wastage of
valuable beds and staff. A small "reservoir" of suitable accommodation
in the hands of local authorities would permit the "circulation"
of these patients in and out of hospital when necessary
without permanent sterilisation of beds.
Until some such solution is found, it only remains possible
to do the best with home nursing, domestic help and meals on
wheels services. These services are unquestionably bringing very
great assistance and relief to the chronic elderly sick.

There were no cancellations, refusals or appeals.
15 inspections were made by the medical staff. No difficulties
in regard to supervision arose.
Routine enquiries are made with regard to unregistered homes.
7.—Essex County Council Act.—Two new licences to practise
chiropody were granted by your Council.
C.—SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
Water.—The authority responsible is the Metropolitan Water
Board. Routine tests are carried out by the Board, and the usual
practice was continued of notifying the Board of all actual
or suspected cases of enteric fever. The Board then arranged
special tests at the addresses concerned. All were negative in 1949.
All dwelling houses in the area are supplied direct with water.