London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Richmond upon Thames 1971

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]

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Number of Persons Treated

(a) Aged 65 and over By private chiropodists4,739
In Council clinics155
In Welfare Dept. establishments403
(b) Expectant Mothers By private chiropodists6
In Council clinics1
(c) Disabled persons under 65 By private chiropodists57
(d) Others By private chiropodists476
In Council clinics2
(e) British Red Cross Society2
Number of Treatments Given
1. In Council Clinics768(1,093)
2. In Patients'Homes — by private chiropodists8,219(7,491)
3. In Old People's Homes1,953(1,879)
4. In Private Chiropodists' Surgeries24,237(23,757)
5. By British Red Cross Society4(53)

The monthly poster campaigns continued in 1971 and the subjects chosen were : —

January— Oil Heaters
February— Scalds
March— Feet & Shoes
April— Smoking
MayRubella
June— Food Hygiene
July— Sunburn
August— Water Safety
September— Well Woman Clinics
October— Mental Health Fire Works
November— Toys
December— Hypothermia.

(rigures in brackets show the position in 1970).
Out of the 35,181 treatments given, 23,359 were free of charge. The main reason
for this, of course, is that the majority of persons availing themselves of the service are
elderly and of low income.
The normal number of treatments allowed is six per person per annum, but this
number may be exceeded where clinically necessary.
I would like to express my appreciation of the co-operation I have received from
the chiropodists serving the Borough and to the British Red Cross Society for their valuable
contribution. The fact that many elderly persons are able to go to the chiropodist
of their choice with the minimum of travelling on public transport enables them to have
the treatment which is considered to be so vital if they are to remain ambulant.
HEALTH EDUCATION.
Health education in the Borough has continued to expand. The Sub-Committee met
regularly for the co-ordination of activities. Daily work has been supervised by the Group
Adviser/Health Visitor for Health Education.