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The clinic, although in its early days, has already disclosed untreated ailments, some of a
serious nature, in those who have attended. It is hoped the door is now open for a further advance
in preventive medicine for the benefit of our senior citizens.
Laundry Service for the Incontinent Aged
The service is provided under section 84 of the Public Health Act, 1936, and in 1960 700
collections were made by the Public Health Department.
Baths
Free baths are available at the Public Baths for old people, who know that if they need help
they can call upon the Baths Attendants.
Library Service
Housebound old people may obtain upon request regular deliveries of library books from the
Public Libraries. During the year 4,784 books were delivered in this way to 45 infirm old people.
Hospital Services
St. Ann's General Hospital has wards providing 100 beds (60 female and 40 male) for the
chronic sick, and the extension of geriatric services is under active consideration by the hospital
authorities. There continues to be a waiting list of cases requiring hospital admission. Each
week notification is sent by St. Ann's General Hospital of the new names on their waiting list.
These cases are visited by a social visitor on the staff of King Edward Hospital Fund for London
and she provides reports to the hospital on the home circumstances to enable priority to be given
to those cases in most urgent need of hospital care.
OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE COMMITTEE
Chiropody Service
During the year the County Council were empowered to contribute towards or operate Chiropody
Services and the Old People's Welfare Committee has received grants from this source
towards their clinic services. Treatment is now free to all pensioners in receipt of a supplementary
pension and those whose income, if single is less than £5 perweek, or forhusband and
wife less than £8 per week. Persons above this income are required to pay 2s. per foot but with
the right to appeal against this assessment.
The demand for this service has continued to increase and during the year approximately
800 old people received foot care at clinics, and 4616 treatments were given.
There has also been an increased demand for the Domiciliary Service and during the year 226
patients have been seen and 915 treatments given, an increase of 230 since last year. There
is now a waiting list of 27 new patients requiring this service and the waiting time between
appointments in 16 weeks.