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DOMICILIARY SERVICE
The need for this service to be expanded has become apparent. During the year heavy demands
have been made and the number of visits has risen from 30 to over 50 a week and is still
increasing.
The chief chiropodist has reviewed all domiciliary cases under care. He reports that in
many new patients he found evidence of long-term neglect of their feet. About half of those people
were housebound because of arthritic conditions, peripheral vascular disorders, of the lower limbs
and therefore prone to ulceration and pressure necrosis.
These conditions tend to necessitate frequent treatment by the chiropodist.
SURVEYS OF CENTRES AND EQUIPMENT
A comprehensive survey of accommodation and of existing equipment was carried out by
the chief chiropodist. As a result many existing items were replaced by more up-to-date equipment
and initial equipment was ordered for the new clinics.
PRIORITY CLASSES
The Ministry suggested in its circular 11/59 that priority should be given to elderly people,
expectant mothers and the physically handicapped.
The demands of these priority groups has been such that services have not so far been
extended to other classes. Children of school age are treated under the Education Act 1944.
STAFF
At the end of 1965, one full-time and eleven part-time chiropodists were employed, the
equivalent of 5.1 full time staff (4.4 at clinics and 0.7 on domiciliary work). To meet increased
demands of an expanded service more staff were recruited and at 31 December 1966, there were,
in addition to the chief chiropodist, one full-time and 16 part-time chiropodists an equivalent of
6.7 full time staff (5.7 at clinic sessions and 1.0 on domiciliary work). It is hoped to increase the
proportion of full-time chiropodists.
SERVICE TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS
The chief chiropodist is available in a consultative role for sessions held at Welfare
Department establishments.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
Recent surveys have produced evidence that in some parts of the country there is an
increase in functional disorders of the feet in school children. A pilot survey in Camden schools
was planned to ascertain if there is a problem locally.
MOBILE CHIROPODY UNIT
Increasing calls on accommodation at welfare centres and growth of services generally may
make it difficult in some cases to allocate space for additional chiropody clinics. The provision of
some form of mobile unit which could also provide services to schools is being considered.
HOSPITALS
Co-operation with local hospitals has been maintained, particularly with the London Foot
Hospital.
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