View report page

25
OLD PEOPLE'S CLINICS
A Geriatric Clinic is held weekly at Neasden Clinic, Balnacraig Avenue, N.W.10. During 1972, 36
sessions were held and the total attendances were 139. One new case was seen out of the 35 in attendance.
Everyone required and was receiving chiropody from the Council's chiropodists either at home or in the clinic.
The benefits accruing from the treatment were obvious and dramatic—contented faces and more mobility. 19
women and 9 men in attendance were in their 80's and three women and two men were in their 90's. One
woman was registered blind. No praise is too high for these grand pensioners who braved many an unpleasant
journey due to the vagaries of our unsettled weather, and displayed grit and determination of no mean order
to be at the clinic for their appointments. A few even came when advised to stay away because of icy and foggy
conditions.
About half of those attending lived alone and all were troubled with rheumatism in its many forms.
The aches and pains were most in evidence during cold, damp weather, and on occasions interfered with
sleep. Some were depressed and lonely and missed visits by relatives and close friends. Several had raised
blood pressure and a few were overweight and this added to their difficulties in getting about.
The clinic is appreciated by those attending because it is a venue for consultations with a nurse pnd
doctor about varied minor problems causing discomfort, depression and inactivity.
The following referrals were made:—
No. of Patients
To Social Workers 4
To Council Chiropodists 4
To Hospital 3
To Home Help Organiser 2
For Council Aided Holidays 2
To Council Physiotherapist 2
To Medical Practitioner 1
To Housing Director 1