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103
that this service is essential to the welfare of the sick and aged.
"Below is a summary of the year's work:—
Brought forward from 1955 708
New cases during 1956 402
Cases completed during 1956 397
Number of cases carried forward to 1957 713
"The number of aged chronic sick still increases and
continues to absorb a large proportion of the help available.
The number of applications from tuberculous patients
decreased slightly over the year and all requests for help were
met : maternity applications were satisfactorily dealt with.
"It will be seen from the foregoing figures that the need
for domestic help is still increasing, but that much has been
done during the year to ease the conditions and anxieties
particularly of the aged and infirm."
Recruitment.
In view of the continuing need for an adequate "panel" of
domestic helps, some 5,000 copies of a special appeal were circulated
by duplicated letter to practically every tenant of a Council
dwelling. This was done with the willing co-operation of the
Borough Council's Housing Manager.
The appeal was in regard both to the Domestic Help Service
and the scheme for Night Attendance upon the Sick, but the result
was very disappointing.
Training.
The Local Nursing Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade
again made available without fee to Domestic Helps their course of
lectures on home nursing. Five Domestic Helps completed the
course and three obtained certificates.
In July a programme of training for domestic helps was held at
the South West Essex Technical College, the first course to be
held in Walthamstow. This was organised by the County Health
Department in conjunction with the Technical College, and the
local Superintendents of Health Visiting and Home Nursing assisted
in the instruction of home duties. Four helps from this area
attended and obtained a certificate.