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51
Daring the year a service was introduced to provide, under this
Section of the National Health Service Act, 1946, protective
clothing (or certain types of incontinent people, including
elderly people, and where the provision of such protective
clothing would enable the patients to lead a relatively normal
life either ambulant or in a wheelchair.
The Department also runs a laundry service for the bed
linen of incontinent patients.
Chiropody Mr. F.E. Gibson was appointed as Chief Chiropodist in
1966 and it is worthy of note that in 1966 the Chiropody
Service gave 23,000 treatments compared with 18,000 in 1965—
an increase of 28%. This service is deservedly popular with
elder citizens as their mobility is increased by foot comfort.
Mr. Gibson reports as follows:—
"There were 5 full time and 6 part-time Chiropodists
employed at the end of the year, the Service continuing to
expand. The demand is ever increasing and we have been
able to provide a complete service to the elderly in Clinics
based at convenient sites throughout the Borough.
Transport is provided by the Hospital Car Service when
necessary, to convey handicapped patients to and from the
Clinics.
All the Welfare Homes in the Borough are visited regularly,
also domicilary treatments are given to house-bound patients.
The service is also available to expectant mothers and
the physically handicapped. Details of the patients seen are
shown in Appendix 16."
Tuberculosis Health Visitors
After-Care
Three full-time Tuberculosis Visitors are attached to the
Ilford Chest Clinic and one full-time and one part-time visitor
to Harts Hospital. A very close liaison is maintained with the
Chest Clinics and the after-care services are closely integrated.
Occupational Therapy
A domiciliary occupational therapist has not yet been
appointed but when a new appointment is made the therapist
will be working also with the physically handicapped.
Facilities
Other facilities which exist for the after-care of tuberculosis
patients include assistance in the maintenance charges at