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large number of the helps available. The winter months of
1950 proved very trying in view of increased sickness among
patients and helps. Influenza was responsible for many absentee
helps and this resulted in a certain amount of dislocation and
delay in meeting patients' requirements. It has also become
increasingly difficult to secure the services of the right type of
helps, but nevertheless in spite of some disappointments a
tremendous amount of good work has been done and there is
no doubt that the year on the whole has been highly
satisfactory."
COUNTY COUNCIL OF ESSEX—WELFARE COMMITTEE
WELFARE SERVICES
Mr. G. E. Pegram, County Welfare Officer, advises as
follows:—
"The old Poor Law System has been superseded by new
legislation provided in the National Assistance Act, 1948, and
the County Council is concerned, at the present time, with two
aspects of the new Welfare Services, viz.,
(a) the provision of residential and temporary accommodation,
and
(b) welfare arrangements for blind and other handicapped
persons."
The County Council has adopted schemes in respect of the
provision of residential and temporary accommodation, as
defined in section 21 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, and
in respect of the general welfare of blind persons coming
within the provisions of section 29 of the Act. So far no
scheme has been prepared in respect of other handicapped
persons but it is anticipated that the findings of an Advisory
Council, set up by the Ministry of Health for the purpose of
giving guidance to local authorities, will shortly be issued and
appropriate steps taken to promote a detailed scheme for the
purpose of carrying out a welfare service for handicapped
persons.
"Statistics are appended showing the extent to which the
present services have been applied to residents within the
Borough of Walthamstow during the year 1950.
(1) Residential and Temporary Accommodation.
(a) Admitted to hostels and other residential establishments:
Men, 13; Women, 20 (including four blind
persons).
(b) Admitted to temporary accommodation: Men, 17;
Women, 31; Children, 42.