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as follows—13,636 women and 3,387 men ; of these 1,117 were
new patients.
"Transport for the non-ambulant has again be provided
and fulfils a very necessary part of the Chiropody Service.
Through this means 236 treatments were given, 195 to women
and 41 to men, being a decrease of nine treatments from 1955."
PREVENTION OF BREAK-UP OF FAMILIES
As a result of the various circulars on this matter issued by
the Home Office and the Ministries of Health and Education, a
conference was convened in November, 1956, at which the follow'
ing departments, services and organisations were represented:—
The County Council's Children's, Health and Welfare
Departments.
The Borough Council's Education and Housing Depart'
ments.
The Local Medical Committee.
The Probation Department.
National Assistance Board.
The Invalid Children's Aid Association.
National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
The Glasspool Trust.
A lengthy discussion took place concerning 15 cases which
appeared the most urgent for consideration, and an exchange of
information as to the action already taken and contemplated. It
emerged that in the majority of the cases the general situation was
appreciated and that the officers having statutory duties were taking
active steps to improve the position and to prevent any break-up
of the families. The chief factors emerging were illegitimacy and
delinquency.
HEALTH EDUCATION
Throughout the year the Health Visiting Staff have carried
out a regular series of talks at schools and welfare centres.
Weekly mothercraft talks were given during each term in all
secondary modern schools in the Borough. Films and demonstration
materials were used in conjunction with the lectures.
Relaxation classes were held weekly at three ante-natal clinics,
and instruction given in the preparation for motherhood, ante-natal
care, the mechanism of labour and child development, etc. Visual
aids again proved useful.
Efforts have again been made to provide interesting and useful
health education topics for display at the welfare centres.