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This service continues to expand and at the end of the year there were approximately
100 cases receiving this service, compared with 95 at the end of 1968, 70 at the
end of 1967, and 50 at the end of 1966.
Pads, waterproof pants with disposable linings are provided for incontinent
patients. Incontinent pads, instead of sheets, are used where appropriate, thus reducing
the laundering of soiled bed linen. These are normally distributed by the district
nurses. Used pads are collected and destroyed whenever disposal is requested.
TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE
The service provided by Telephone Answering Services Ltd., was used for emergency
calls by the midwifery, mental health services and to some extent by the home
help service during the year. This service operates on a full-time basis for midwives
and at nights, weekends and holidays for mental welfare officers. The home help service
use this facility during Bank Holidays.
Radio Telephone Service.
Midwives and mental welfare officers continue to use the radio telephones which
are rented to the Council by Telephone Answering Services Ltd. Four sets are used
by the midwives and two by the mental welfare officers.
The use of these radio telephone sets ensures a total 24-hour emergency cover for
both services.
Artificial Dialysis.
In accordance with the general approval issued by the Minister of Health in
January, 1968, arrangements were made, in collaboration with the Housing Officer, for
a Home Dialysis unit to be installed in a Council house for a patient referred by a
teaching hospital.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS
The assessment of medical fitness of new entrants to the Council's service continued
to make heavy demands on medical and clerical time.
A completed medical questionnaire and a satisfactory chest X-ray examination
undertaken within the last twelve months are required of each new entrant.
A full physical examination is carried out in any case of doubt, and on all entrants
to teacher training colleges.
In addition, recommendations as to medical fitness to continue in the Council's
service were made following consultation with the family doctors concerned and
physical examinations.
The number involved over the year was:—
Total number of medical assessments 1,733 (1,686)
Total number of physical examinations 462 (483)
Total number examined for continued service 62 (57)
Total number found unfit for further service 8 (14)
The figures for 1968 are given in brackets.
WATER SUPPLY
All the dwellings in the Borough are supplied from the Metropolitan Water
Board's mains, and I am indebted to Dr. E. Windle Taylor, Director of Water
Examination, Metropolitan Water Board, for the following report:
"1 a) The supply was satisfactory both as to (i) quality, and (ii) quantity throughout
1969.
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