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F. W1. C. Brief on Health Services mission on National Health Services, the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada asked for five things: “Chronic Patients’ Re- habilitation Program, Outpatient Clinics, Homemaker Services, Extension of Nursing Service Under Public Health, Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Insurance." The presen- tation was made by Mrs, Jas. Haggerty, Presi- dent F.W.I.C, and Mrs, Clyde B. White, Con- vener Home Economics and Health F.W.I.C." It was an excellent brief. The excerpts quoted here give some idea of the sound case the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Canada made for a comprehensive plan of National Health Insurance. CHRONIC PATIENrs‘ REHABILITATION PRO~ GRAM: “There is need for more chronic h0$pi~ tals and homes . , . Out-patient clinics could be of service as the treatment could be car- ried out here; any drastic changes in condition or the need of surgery would necessitate admit- tance to hospital . . . There is a need for chronic patients’ rehabilitation centres with counselling service. There is a need for more homes for the aged. None in the lower in- come brackets can afford private boarding homes and hospitals.” OUTâ€"PATIENT CLINICS: “More out-patient clinics are needed all across the country. These could well be in connection with hospital serv- ices. Many tests and simple treatments could be taken care of here; counselling and guid- ance could be given by a trained staff, thus lessening the demand for doctors’ services and telephone calls to doctors’ offices Any change in condition would be referable to the patient's doctor." HOMEMAKER SERVICES: "The primary func- tion of Homemaker Services” (Women capable of taking charge of a household, Ed.) “is to furnish home help to families with children in times of acute illness in the family or Where there are convalescent, disabled or chronic cases, and to maintain the routine of the home in time of stress especially if the mother is hospitalized. With a competent homemaker to take charge in the home, a mother would be free to have the necessary operation or treatâ€" ment when it is needed most; or often a patient could be discharged from hospital to convalesce at home, thus freeing beds for the Critically ill. “Homemakers would need to be carefully screened, Preferably they should be mature IN A BRIEF presented to the Royal Comâ€" #2 women who have already been successful homemakers in their own right. Good health and stable character, personality and flexibility would be necessary to enable a homemuku} to cope with a variety of home situatinm especially in homes of mentally retarded tll' confused persons. Some provinces haw Ll Homemaker Service under Service claim"; (some under the Red Crossâ€"Ed); "50",” have pilot schemes. There is desperate Initial for a subsidized plan.“ NURSING SERVICE UNDER PUBLIC HEAHI: The brief recommended a nursing semi. similar to the Victorian Order of Nurses, m- nurse visiting the patient in his or her hU. it to give special care or treatment. "This sci . ice,“ the brief says, “makes it possible i'l many patients, especially convalescent m chronic cases who might otherwise have to hospitalized, to be cared for at home, Iii- freeing hospital beds for those who need m~ ‘ care." MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSURANCE: comprehensive medical and surgical insurnr is needed for groups not now covered. ill price they can afford . , . Retired people. dividuals not covered by group insurance. unable to get a comprehensive medical {l Surgical insurance plan except through priv agencies at prices prohibitive to their men Farmers and small business men could ruined financially by an extended illnem , The Federated Women’s Institutes of Cami would recommend a blanket service that won I include preventive treatment and rehabilitatw - and which would embrace all branches medical service. including drugs, medicine II: ambulance service.” CONCLUSION: The brief concludes with ti promise of cooperation in whatever plans m be adopted to improve and safeguard [ health of the Canadian people. “If we are all to enjoy the highest levels - health everyone must work towards this 91' and support projects and educational program that emphasize the health and safety of ti- individual. This is the responsibility of ill The Federated Women’s Institutes of Cananl would co-operate with other organizations 3 any Health Care objectives that will encoui age and help all individuals and families II keep to a minimum the incidence of Nina and the need for health care services. “The Federated Women's Institutes of Can ada will work to secure a balanced healtl care program facilities and services of th< highest standard, readily available and 210* equate to meet the needs of all Canadians flnt‘ to ensure that every resident has the needeal care when he needs it without consideration of ability to pay the cost at the time of servâ€" Ice." HOME AND COUNTRY