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CHIROPODY SERVICE
Prior to the 1st April, 1965, two chiropody schemes run by the Surrey and former
Middlesex County Councils were in operation. The main difference between the two
schemes was that the majority of treatments in the Barnes and Richmond part of the
Borough were carried out in the private surgeries of chiropodists, whereas in the
Twickenham, etc. part of the Borough the majority of treatments were carried out in
the former Middlesex County Council clinics. Both schemes operated a domiciliary
treatment service.
For persons who could afford it, the charge made to patients under the Surrey
scheme was 3/- per treatment. This charge could be reduced in necessitous cases.
Persons in receipt of a National Assistance Board allowance were treated free of charge.
Under the Middlesex scheme patients were charged according to a scale which
allowed free service to those with low incomes, expectant and nursing mothers, and
children. The standard charge was 4/- per foot but this was reduced by half for
persons in receipt of unemployment, disablement or sickness benefit, etc.
This chiropody service plays a vital part in the care of the aged, who are its main
users, as it enables them to remain ambulant. This reduces the demand on other
domiciliary services provided by the Borough.
From the 1st April to the 31st December, 1965, 7,206 treatments were carried out
by private chiropodists in their surgeries and in the homes of patients.
A further 874 treatments were given at Borough Council clinics in Hampton,
Hampton Wick, and Whitton. In the last nine months of the year, therefore, a total
of 8,080 treatments were undertaken.
Although the existing arrangements prior the 1st April, 1965 were continued, at
the end of the year the Council considered and agreed a revised comprehensive chiropody
scheme to cover the whole of the Borough which incorporates the best of the
former schemes. This revised scheme is to commence on the 1st April, 1966, and is
subject to consultation with the appropriate professional chiropodial bodies.
The proposals are as follows: —
Method of Provision
(a) Treatment at the surgeries of private chiropodists.
(b) Treatment at Borough Council Clinics.
(c) Treatment at sessions arranged by voluntary societies.
(d) Domiciliary treatments. (To be supported by medical certificates).
Categories of persons eligible to receive treatment and proposed charges
Category. Charge per foot.
Men over 65 years 2/-
Women over 60 years 2/-
Expectant mothers 2/-
Nursing mothers (1 year from birth of child) 2/—
Registered disabled persons and special medical needs, e.g., Diabetes 2/—
School children Free
Children under 5 years Free
General public with low incomes (see following paragraphs) Free
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