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These cases illustrate that, although contact examinations may
appear to be tedious and dull work, it is most important to detect the
early case of tuberculosis and thus help in the eradication of the
disease.
In October, 1959, the Leyton, Wanstead and Woodford Care Committee
divided into two new associations, one to be responsible for
the Leyton area, the other to look after the interests of chest patients
in Woodford and Wanstead. I am glad to report that the latter
association is working very successfully and the Executive Committee
contains many representatives of Voluntary Organisations in the
Borough.
RECUPERATIVE HOLIDAYS
The Local Health Authority are empowered to provide recuperative
holidays for persons not in need of medical or nursing attention
and during the year 9 cases from the Borough have been sent away.
The length of convalescence was two weeks in each case.
DOMESTIC HELP SERVICE
The Domestic Help Organiser reports as follows:—
The year 1959 showed a steady increase in applications for
Domestic Help.
The service continues to be administered as in previous years, and
all cases are visited as frequently as possible.
80 per cent of the patients receiving help are in the category
Chronic Aged, and help varies for these from as little as two hours
per week for the heavy cleaning to 20 hours per week, which provides
a split service, covering three meals a day. Relations are encouraged
to help bedridden aged patients on Sundays.
A total of 2 full-time and 118 part-time domestic helps is employed
to attend to the varied wants of 370 patients.
During the holiday it was necessary to drastically cut, and in some
cases leave the patients without, assistance. This however, was kept
to the minimum, and care was taken to see that no one completely
dependent on the Domestic Help Service was left unattended.
3 new requests for help in T.B. households have been received and
those already receiving help are closely watched and assistance given
in accordance with the recommendations of the Chest Clinic.
The aged chronic sick continue to grow in numbers, and are an
increasing problem. Every effort is made to provide help according
to the essential needs of these people, but many would benefit from
a little extra help were the labour situation not so acute.
Liaison with the District Nurse, Health Visitors and Hospital
Almoners is good, the aged and sick benefitting from the joint effort.
The W.V.S. "Meals on Wheels" service continues to render invaluable
assistance, providing meals on Wednesdays and Fridays.
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