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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 98 such loans
were made in the year. The demand for this service continues to
increase.
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 to whom thanks are due for the maintenance
of a most essential service.

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-seven such holidays were
arranged in the year.
Cervical Cytology
The Cytopathology Unit at St. Helier Hospital is able to deal
adequately with the Borough's requirements.
It is necessary, from time to time, to have a campaign to ensure
that all women are aware of the facilities. It is particularly necessary
to endeavour to deal with women in the lower income groups, where
the prevalence of cervical cancer may be higher.
In all, 1,429 new cases were dealt with and 2,918 repeat smears
were taken.
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