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97
" Below is a summary of the year's work :—

HOME HELP (for Confinements)
No. of cases completed in 1951 116
" The new scale of assessment has been responsible in
some cases for refusal or cancellation of help but any cases
of special hardship were dealt with by the appropriate
Committee.
" The aged chronic sick are still the greatest problem of
the service as their numbers increase and hospital accommodation
becomes more limited. This necessitates continuous help,
in some cases over a period of years, and absorbs large numbers
of part-time helps. Another difficulty encountered is the
reluctance on the part of helps to assist in homes where there
is a tuberculous patient, but so far all these applications for
help have been met.
“ There is no doubt that the domestic help service is more
than ever an essential part of the health service and that this
worth-while effort brings much relief and comfort to the sick."
HÆMOGLOBIN SURVEY
In July, Medical Officers of the Ministry of Health carried
out a survey of a random representative sample of housewives in
Walthamstow. The method of approach was more or less on trial,
but with the co-operation of the Health Visitors, it was considered
to be quite successful. The survey extended over five days.