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vided with this service. In the meantime, the waiting list continued to grow
although names were not freely put forward because of the known difficulty in
obtaining the meals and at the end of the year amounted to 32 persons
During the year 10 221 meals were provided for 60 old people
Laundry for the Incontinent Aged
The scheme for the provision of laundry facilities for the incontinent aged
started in the autumn of 1956 was carried on throughout the year Old people
in need of this service were brought to the notice of the Public Health Depart
ment staff from various sources, then arrangements were made for the Department's
van to call each week to collect the soiled linen deliver it to Spring Grove
Laundry, and to transport the clean linen back again to the home of the old
person No charge was made for the service but for each case a certificate was
submitted to the Public Health Committee
During the year seven old persons had been recommended for and obtained
this service.
Home Safety
The North Thames Gas Board who in 1956 offered a free service of inspection
of the gas appliances and service pipes in houses of old age pensioners living
alone, continued toarrange for inspections during the year The reason for
this was in order to reduce the risk of gas poisoning, a frequent cause of home
accidents and fatalities in old people.
The offer was to include free replacement of faulty pipes and the free
repair of faulty appliances
GENERAL
The Superintendent of the local St John's Ambulance Association and the
Divisional Director of the British Red Cross Society have kindly supplied information
concerning their welfare work in the Borough
St John s Ambulance Brigade
(1) Attendance at sports meetings public gatherings and
entertainments to render first aid if required
(2) Conveyance of patients by ambulance to supplement the
County Ambulance facilities.
(3) Maintenance of Comforts Depot from which supplies of
medical equipment can be issued on loan
(4) The provision of instructors for classes in first aid
and home nursing to Civil Defence volunteers, adult
and youth groups
(5) Voluntary aid in hospital wards, male and female.
(6) Provision of nursing attendants for meetings and
outings of old persons organised by the various Old
People's Associations.
(7) Courses of lectures on first aid to factory staffs
and local factory fire brigade personnel,
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