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Section 26 VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION
Arrangements for protection of children against Diphtheria,
Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Smallpox and Poliomyelitis continued on the
lines referred to in previous Reports.
Section 28 PREVENTION OF ILLNESS CARE AND AFTER CARE
Chiropody
This report for the year 1964 will be the last dealing with the
Chiropody service as administered by the Essex County Council through
the Walthamstow Health Area Sub-Committee.
The Chiropody service was commenced by the Walthamstow Borough
Council in September, 1931, and was transferred to the County Council
in July 1948. From the 1st April, 1965, the provision of the service
will be a function of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The
Chiropody service in Walthamstow was one of the very early services
in the country, and the many recipients of the service undoubtedly
have been pleased to see the provision of Chiropody in the Borough
continuing throughout the various phases of Local Government reorganisation.
The service will continue to be provided, of course,
after the 1st April next.
During 1964, the number of treatments to Clinic patients
increased from 19,820 to 22,044. This was despite a drop in the
number of domiciliary visits which occurred as a result of the
resignation of one part-time Chiropodist, and the prolonged absence
of another following an accident on the way to work. Treatments to
children amounted to 2,070, and this figure is included in the total
referred to above.
Section 29 DOMESTIC HELP SERVICE
Throughout 1964 the pattern of the Service has remained
consistent with other years with a heavier demand during the first
quarter, probably owing to the amount of sickness amongst the aged.
The number of maternity cases helped has not varied significantly
in comparison with the previous year, but the hours of
service given to this category indicates a slight decrease in demand.
Requests for the night attendance service in 1964 were similar
in number to 1963. Help was usually for one or two nights' duration
only, owing to termination either by removal to hospital or death.
The number of domestic helps has decreased during the year,
several left after quite short periods and there have been
fewer applicants. There also remains the difficulty of providing
week-end Service because of lack of volunteers. Nevertheless we have
continued to cover every urgent need.