[Report 1948] / Medical Officer of Health, Salford County Borough.

  • Salford (England). County Borough Council.
Date:
1948
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1948] / Medical Officer of Health, Salford County Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    107/186 (page 102)
    It is pleasing to learn that the local W.V.S. is anxious to establish a Meals on Wheels ’’ service in the City. The staff of the Home Help Service will be happy to be associated with them and very much hope that a start may be made before the winter of 1949. It is proposed during 1949 to arrange for a short course of training for Home Helps with a view to filling the gaps in their knowledge of housecraft and making them good all-rounders.” Some instruction will be given in the care of young children and invalids. It is also hoped that by means of talks given by various officers engaged in the Health Services, the Helps will learn of the many facilities available to help the families they serve. The welfare of the Home Helps is constantly borne in mind by the Almoner. It is sometimes found that women are more willing than able to undertake the work. A careful watch is therefore kept upon their health and the duties are frequently rearranged so that no Help will be kept too long on a trying case. Meetings are arranged at which the Helps may meet each other and discuss any matters which will help the service to be more effective. Helps are encouraged at all times to bring their views to the notice of the Almoner and her assistants and considerable effort is made to make them feel that they are important members of the health team. The following figures indicate the extent of the work done during 1948 :— Home Helps. Cases assisted—- Maternity. 157 Pregnancy . 8 Mothers with young children .... 27 Elderly and infirm patients. 77 Tubercular patients . 6 . Miscellaneous . 2 Number of investigations into financial circumstances. 439 Visits to homes of applicants. 643 Tuberculosis. Interviews re— Food Priorities..... 1,097 Free milk .. 366 Rehousing. 33 Clothing . 42 Miscellaneous . S6 Allowances (prior to 5th July, 1948). 256 National Assistance (since 5th July, 1948) ... 87 Visits to homes of Tubercular patients. 182 Nursing equipment loaned . II Patients assisted with beds and bedding . 4 ,, ,, ,, spectacles . 1 * ,, ,, ,, dentures .-. 2 ,, ,, ,, removal expenses .. 1 ,, ,, ,, clothing . 50