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97
DOMESTIC HELP SERVICE
(Section 29)
Difficulties continue in regard to the recruitment of whole and
part-time workers and there was unavoidable delay during the
winter months in meeting all requests for help. At the end of the
year attempts were made without success to recruit more whole-time
workers in order to replace the large number of part-time workers.
Although the work of the latter is quite satisfactory, their numbers,
which at one time rose to nearly 200, took up much administrative
time and energy.
Difficulties also arose in regard to extra transport facilities to
enable the Organiser to pay more frequent supervisory visits to the
homes of patients.
Mrs. C. M. Hall, Domestic Help Organiser, reports as
follows :—
" During 1954 the Domestic Help Service continued to
develop even further and met more requests for help than ever
before. The Service continues to be administered as in previous
years with more pressure from all sources. During the year 2,535
visits were made—357 more than in 1953. There were 15 full
time and up to 196 part-time helps employed at any one time.
Recruitment of full time helps was disappointing and more are
still needed, although those at present engaged are working very
we'll. The number of cases carried forward into 1955 is 637, i.e.,
120 more than were carried forward from the previous year.
" During 1954 five Domestic Helps attended a two weeks'
training course at Chelmsford and all were successful in obtaining
a certificate. These Domestic Helps enjoyed the Course, found
it stimulating and informative and it is hoped that more such
Courses will be arranged during 1955."
" It will be seen from the foregoing figures that the number
of cases carried forward into the new year is larger than ever ;
the visiting becomes a greater problem as the number of Chronic
Sick increases, but the demand for this essential service goes on
unabated and has been well met; the appreciation of hundreds of
people is a sound reward for the help provided.
" The following table gives additional particulars of the work
done during 1954 :—
" Below is a summary of the year's work :
Brought forward from 1953
New cases during 1954
Cases completed during 1954
Number of cases carried forward to 1955
517
402
282
637