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It is extremely difficult to obtain whole-time chiropodists qualified in
accordance with the requirments of the Ministry of Health who are prepared
to accept a salary in accordance with the National Scale of
Salaries when it is undoubtedly more lucrative, from the individual's
point of view, to establish their own private practice. The Borough,
however, has been fortunate in-as-much as it has been possible to obtain
the equivalent of 1½ full-time chiropodists providing a service which
covers the whole of the Borough with the exception of the Woodford
Bridge district. Patients requiring treatment in this district are continuing
to obtain it through arrangements made by the Old People's Welfare
Association in conjunction with one of the Clubs.
The chiropody service provides treatment for persons of pensionable
age and certain other priority categories, which includes expectant
mothers and the physically handicapped.
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 12 cases from the Borough have been sent away. The
length of convalescence was two weeks in each case.
DOMESTIC HELP SERVICE
During 1961 the Domestic Help Organiser covering the Borough of
Wanstead and Woodford resigned her appointment in the area and was
replaced by Miss B. Wade.
The service has continued to help those in the Borough requiring
coverage of household duties during acute illness and in all maternity
cases where application has been made.
Requests for service have also been received from Hospitals for
patients returning home after treatment and needing domestic assistance
in the home; these requests have had immediate attention.
The Health Visitors and District Nursing Satff have been in close
co-operation with the service and have brought to light patients who
needed help but who otherwise might have been hesitant in asking for
assistance.
The W.V.S. have arranged certain days for 'Meals on Wheels' for
many patients whose meals otherwise would be the entire responsibility
of the Domestic Help Service; this has freed many hours of the service
for other patients. The W.V.S. have also kindly visited a number of
invalids and elderly patients, and have supplied bedding and clothing
where urgently needed.
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