View report page

RIPPLE BED SERVICE
Ripple beds (air beds having a mechanically induced rhythmic
undulation designed to prevent bed sores), are available on loan to
patients of the Home Nursing Service at the request of a doctor or
Home Nurse. The beds are hired from the suppliers and 65 such loans
were made in the year.
SICK ROOM EQUIPMENT
There are three Medical Loan Depots, one each in Merton,
Mitcham and Wimbledon. Loans of medical equipment are made to
residents in the Borough on request from the family doctor or from
a Home Nurse. Owing to the heavy demand loans are reviewed every
three months.
The depots are staffed on a voluntary basis by members of the
British Red Cross Society.

RECUPERATIVE HOLIDAYS
Under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act 1946, the
Authority is empowered to provide a recuperative holiday for persons
needing it to complete or assist in their recovery to normal health,
but who do not need organised medical or nursing care.
A recommendation from a medical practitioner is necessary. A
number of Homes in Surrey and on the south-east coast are used, the
holiday being usually for two weeks. Forty-five such holidays were
arranged in the year.
FLUORIDATION OF THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES
In accordance with Ministry of Health Circular 15/65 a recommendation
was made to the Council that fluoridation of the public
water supplies should be undertaken under Section 28 of the National
Health Service Act, 1946. After giving consideration to this the
Council passed the following resolution:—
' That the Council does not participate in any arrangements
with the Water Undertakings concerned for the addition of
fluoride to the public water supplies, but that the Medical
Officer of Health in consultation with the Chief Education
Officer, arrange for the supply and distribution of fluoride in
tablet form to all children attending schools within the Borough
37