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number of old people receiving the meals on any one day was 93, so that both vans
were working to capacity on many occasions. Special Christmas dinners (frozen packs)
were delivered to 96 people and also to them went 96 special parcels to cover the Christmas
period when meals were not being delivered; also 12 special parcels for diabetic persons
or other invalids requiring special nutrition. Between 400 and 500 parcels of groceries and
comforts were sent out by local organisations to housebound elderly on receipt of names
obtained and submitted by the Old People's Welfare Organisation.
Chiropody Service:
This service was continued throughout 1964. Five local chiropodists gave their services
at cheap rates for Old Age Pensioners. In 1962, Middlesex County Officers were empowered
to proceed with a scheme for the increase in the provision of chiropody as part of the County
Health Services and 164 old age pensioners had attention during the year at the Northcote
Avenue Clinic, the number of attendances by them at the Clinic being 733. The County
Council was able also to offer financial assistance to voluntary organisations providing
chiropody, and the Southall Old People's Welfare Committee reported the number of
treatments given during the year under this scheme to be 2,043 (1,741 in 1963, 1,222 in
1962), i.e. treatments at surgeries 1,009, and visits to homebound 1,034. The number of
Old Age Pensioners receiving treatment under this scheme was 476.
The County Council made provision for a limited amount of domiciliary service
from 26th October, 1962. Twenty Old Age Pensioners were given 166 visits and treatments
under this provision.
Incontinent Laundry:
For years, the problem of the laundry of incontinent patients has been, though urgently
necessary, held back until the new slipper baths for Southall could be built combining two
necessary services. During 1964, the Borough Council decided to accept a plan for the
site (which had been held available), and it was accepted that laundering could be carried
out in these premises when they were completed. In the past, various laundries and other
local authorities had been asked to provide facilities but had been unable or unwilling
to do so, but a request made to St. Bernard's Hospital Management Committee in the
middle of the year was well received and facilities were granted by that Committee very
promptly. A supply of washable nylon carriers and laundry books was obtained, and the
incontinent laundry service was begun in October, requests for the service being made by
doctors, or hospital or County Council staff, with the Public Health Inspector visiting to
certify the need. Laundry was collected in the Public Health Department vehicle as often
as necessary, taken to St. Bernard's Hospital and collected and returned after service.
Between 1st October and the end of the year 83 articles were laundered for three elderly
patients.
Holidays:
The holiday scheme whereby old people get a seaside holiday during off-season months
of May and September, at reduced rates, continued during 1964 and was operated by the
various Old People's Clubs in the Borough. In addition, the Southall Old People's Welfare
Association arranged holidays for 30 housebound and semi-invalid elderly in summer,
and 10 at Christmas. In addition, 40 had transport for a day's outing to the sea—all meals
arranged; 81 had transport to Annual Luncheon. A further 296 were taken to parties,
concerts, carol services, etc. during the year.
Clubs:
Old Age Pensioners Federation—Southall Branch:
This Club had a membership of 140 and met once a week on Monday afternoons for
social purposes, the average attendance being about 125. Seaside outings were arranged
during the summer, and a party and concert at Christmas.
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