London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kensington 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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cover and carried to the recipient. The holding trays and vehicle electrics
have been made by the Rootes Group.
Heat within the containers keeps the food in good condition even
after a period of 2½/3 hours, or longer if they are used purely for storage.
The fear that a traffic jam or vehicle breakdown will result in a pensioner
getting a cold midday meal is at an end. Vehicle batteries only need
charging every fourth day or so.
The system, the first of its kind in this country, possesses the
following advantages
(i) space and weight saving;
(ii) portability and lightness in handling;
(iii) maintenance of temperature;
(iv) abolition of washing up, with consequent
saving in staff wages;
(v) abolition of the necessity for serving
meals in the van;
(vi) cleanliness and ease of service;
(vii) increased speed and efficiency of service;
(viii) added convenience and comfort for staff
and beneficiaries;
(ix) more appetising meals.
In operation, it has proved most popular with the old people
and the staff.
The following statement shows the progress of the service and financial effect since the inception of the scheme.
| Period | Number of meals | Gross Cost | Receipts from old people | Subsidy from L. C. C. | Grant from R.B.K. | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1948/ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| March, 1949 | 3,535 | 352 | 149 | _ | 203 | |
| 1949/50 | 10,461 | 1,016 | 432 | 27 | 557 | |
| 1950/51 | 13,758 | 1,250 | 477 | 115 | - | 558 |
| 1951/52 | 18,370 | 1,634 | 625 | 445 | 564 | |
| 1952/53 | 28,426 | 2,103 | 954 | 948 | — | 201 |
| 1953/54 | 39,196 | 3,459 | 1,317 | 1,306 | 200 | 636 |
| 1954/55 | 45,116 | 3,853 | 1,611 | 1,512 | 300 | 430 |
| 1955/56 | 45,933 | 4,204 | 1,926 | 1,531 | 300 | 447 |
| 1956/57 | 45,995 | 4,211 | 1,933 | 1,758 | 500 | 20 |
| 1957/58 | 49,334 | 5,054 | 2,064 | 2,056 | 500 | 434 |
| 1958/59 | 51,002 | 5,210 | 2,134 | 2,125 | 500 | 451 |
| 1959/60 | 51,532 | - Not yet available - | ||||
It will be observed that the number of meals served continues
to increase and for the year 1959/60 has reached a record total of 51,532.
The net deficiencies of the scheme (after crediting subsidies
from the London County Council and grants from the Kensington Council) have
been met to date by the Kensington Communal Services Committee.
Under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the
Council have power to make grants to voluntary bodies undertaking the
supply of meals to old people and a grant of £500 was made to the
Kensington Communal Services Committee for 1959/60.
Visiting
The Council's women health officers visit old people brought
to their notice. A comprehensive record system is kept of old people in
the borough including personal particulars, environmental conditions and