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CHIROPODY SERVICE
The Chiropody Scheme operated during the year on the lines established
by Surrey County Council.
The following groups were eligible for treatment
(i) Elderly persons, i.e. persons of pensionable age.
(ii) Handicapped persons including registered blind and partially sighted, and
(iii) Expectant mothers.
The Scheme was implemented in two ways:-
(i) Direct Scheme in which chiropodists in private practice provided
treatment at their surgeries or in the patients" homes or, on a
sessional basis, attended to elderly persons resident in homes
registered under the National Assistance Act, and
(ii) Indirect Scheme in which the Council met the cost of chiropody sessions
provided under arrangements made by the Surrey Association for the
Elderly and British Red Cross Society (Surrey Branch).
Patients contributed three shillings per treatment, free treatment was
provided to persons in receipt of National Assistance Benefit and the
Medical Officer of Health had discretion to reduce or waive fees in
necessitous cases.
Payment to chiropodists was in accordance with, or based on, decisions
of the Whitley Council responsible for their salaries and conditions of
service.
In September, 1965 the Health Committee considered a detailed report on
the scheme and their recommendations were approved by Council in October
as follows:-
1. Authority was given for the appointment of a full-time chiropodist
and for the employment of chiropodists on a sessional basis.
2. The eligibility of elderly persons, other than those in receipt of
National Assistance Benefit, was limited to those holding retirement
pension books, and
3. Patients" contributions were increased from 3s.od. to 4s.Od. per
treatment.
Whilst these decisions were not implemented during 1965 they made an
important contribution to the re-appraisal of the scheme which took place during
the year, the results of which will reflect in future reports.
As a result of a detailed study of the scheme as transferred from
Surrey County Council a new system of records and accounting was devised.
Following the appointment of a Senior Chiropodist in January, 1966 this was
introduced after consultation with the chiropodists providing services under the
Direct Scheme.
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