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For the tenth year there were no cases of diphtheria notified. The
immunisation against this disease continues to occupy a large place in
the work of the department, both in children attending Infant Welfare
Centres and Schools in the Borough.
Old persons in need of care and attention, fall administratively into
two categories:—
(1) Those who are ambulant and can do a certain amount for themselves,
and for whom the County Council accept responsibility
through Part III of the National Assistance Act of 1948, and
(2) Those, who are so severely incapacitated or generally ill as to
require the services of the Regional Hospital Board.
Both groups are increasing in numbers, partly owing to increased
longevity, and partly owing to the larger number of old persons having
no relations to fall back on.
Housing difficulties, too, contribute towards making residential
accommodation of both kinds necessary.
During the year the department worked in close association with the
Geriatric Department of St. Helier Hospital, who, through their Geriatric
Almoner and Visiting Physician, were able to deal with quite a number of
patients requiring hospital admission, and also in close association with
the W.V.S. through their most efficient Centre Organiser, Mrs. O. L. Wiles,
and also the Senior Divisional Welfare Officer.
The latter is responsible for arranging admissions to the County
Council's Old Peoples' Homes, and a very effective relationship was
maintained throughout the year, which enabled several old people to be
accommodated in the County Council's care.
When considering geriatrics, and the ever-growing demand that this
part of the population is likely to make in future years, the ever-pressing
demand for accommodation, both under the Regional Hospital Board
in hospitals, and under the Surrey County Council in Part III accommodation,
will certainly have to result in more building, and the provision of
ad hoc institutional beds for both these sections of the geriatric service.
During the year, the W.V.S. were able to continue, and even expand,
their Meals on Wheels service for old people. The Corporation continued
their annual grant, and also made available the requisite vehicles to
deliver meals to the homes of the old and sick on certain days of the
week. The number of recipients for the meals has increased quite considerably
during the year.
Through the active co-operation of the W.V.S. and the British Red
Cross Society, a chiropody service was also introduced during the year,
and this operates in three different ways:—
(1) The chiropodist attends one morning a week at British Red Cross
House, in Woodcote Road, and for a small fee, old people can
come and have their feet treated.
(2) Arrangements are made through the Beddington and Wallington
Fund for the Aged and Infirm, for a chiropodist to visit the homes
of old people, who are unable to get out, and treatment is carried
out in their own homes, at an agreed cost to the Fund.
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