[Report 1965] / Medical Officer of Health, Reading County Borough.

  • Reading (England). County Borough Council.
Date:
1965
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1965] / Medical Officer of Health, Reading County Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/146 (page 9)
    Care of Elderly (p. 114) The Edward Hughes home is now in full use and is already an integral part of the estate in which it is situated. Much progress has been made in conjunction with the Housing Committee in providing sheltered and other housing facilities for the elderly, and the establishment of the experimental scheme at Durham Close (p. 115) will be of perhaps great value for future plans. The introduction of travel concessionary fares for the elderly (p. 116) has given the department an opportunity of being in contact with a large proportion of what might be called the “new old” so that the development of preventive services for maintain¬ ing their health and well-being may become possible. Services for the Deaf (p. 118) The opening by the Mayor at the end of the year of a new hall at the rear of the Centre indicates an exciting year of some progress. Services for the Physically Handicapped (p. 126) While the O.T. Centre continues in full operation, a start has been made to the building of specially designed houses in three areas of the town. With the support of the Council, every opportunity will be taken to enable an increasing number of disabled people to participate freely in all aspects of town life. The products of inspired, enthusiastic and steady hard work to which I have referred above and throughout the report indicates very well the dedication of every member of the staff, and I would like to take this opportunity of acknowledging my sincere appreciation of the willing support they have all given to me in my first year of office. On their behalf, I have the privilege of thanking you, Mr. Chairman, and all members of the Health Committee for the interest you take in our efforts. The part¬ nership which we are rapidly establishing augurs well for the future, and for the continued development of services which every day affects the lives, happiness and welfare of everyone in our town. A. GATHERER, Medical Officer of Health