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the ultimate has been reached. It is to be hoped that in the coming
year the need for expansion will not only be recognised but will be
made possible.
OTHER ALLIED SERVICES
Chiropody Service
The Council's chiropody service caters for the elderly, the registered
blind or partially sighted, the physically handicapped and
expectant mothers. It comprises two separate schemes: —
(a) The Direct Scheme whereby application is made to the
Medical Officer of Health and authority is given, to those eligible,
to have a fixed number of treatments carried out by any chiropodist
on the Council's panel.
(b) The Indirect Scheme whereby treatment is arranged by
Voluntary Organisations. A number of old people are taken for treatment
by members of these voluntary organisations whose work is
greatly appreciated.
Under either scheme, treatment can be given in the patient's
home if a doctor certifies that the patient is unable to travel.
The number of people receiving treatment under the service is
increasing steadily and is likely to continue to do so. In the twelve
months ended 31st December, 1971, 1,197 new applications for
treatment were received.

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 150 such
loans were made this year.
In addition to the ripple beds, a ripple chair pad is now avaliable
to those patients who are able to leave their beds. Since, however,
the majority of cases using ripple beds are bedridden, the demand for
chair pads is very small. Two such loans were made in 1971.
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