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66
during the winter months when fires are needed.
"Tuberculosis cases have shown a further decrease but there
has been more call for assistance in caring for children, mainly
during the mothers' stay in hospital. Requests for assistance
in maternity cases are also on- the increase.
"The provision of 'Meals on Wheels' as a five day service
has made it easier to plan the Domestic Help Service, allowing a
greater number of completely bed-ridden cases to have the
comfort of an early visit from the domestic help for fire and
breakfast knowing that the mid-day meal will also be received.
'•Excellent work has been carried out by the domestic helps
in general, often under difficult conditions and inclement
weather, and many tributes of appreciation have been received
from grateful patients. There has been adequate staff in all
areas and the standard of work has been most satisfactory.
" In several cases split duty involving two or three
attendances daily by the domestic helps has been necessary for
completely helpless patients who need every assistance including
special diets and personal attention. Excellent work has been
done for these most deserving cases.
"Following is a summary of the years figures.
B/fwd. from 19 5 8 701
New cases 1959 616
Total 1. 317
Cases completed 561
Cases carried forward 756
" Staff employed at the end of 1959 was 190, including 5
full time workers.
Every endeavour has been made to give adequate supervision
and a total of 3,798 visits were made during the year, many
whilst the domestic help was present.
We would like to acknowledge the help and co operation
received from family doctors and other domiciliary services
which has resulted in the combined effort necessary to give
help and comfort to those in need."