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
Barnet 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnet]
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WELFARE SERVICES
The Welfare Services provided by the Council, by virtue of the National Assistance
Act, 1948, have been expanded during the year in relation to the care of the aged, the
physically handicapped, and the homeless members of the community.
Residential Accommodation
The demand for residential accommodation continues to increase, and at 31st
December, 1970, 230 people were on the waiting list.
During the year "Merrivale" (one of the four replacement homes for Redhill House) was
opened and the first residents were admitted on 23rd February, 1970. Redhill House, a
former poor law institution was closed down completely on 14th March, 1970. Residents
from there were transferred to other Council Homes.
The residential accommodation in Council Homes for the elderly at the end of the year was 349 and was made up as follows:-
| Name of Home | No. of Beds | Disposition |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Lodge, 66 Hendon Lane, N.3. | 32 | Female |
| The Cedars, Richmond Road, New Barnet. | 38 | Mixed |
| The Leys, Barnet Lane, Elstree. | 47 | Mixed |
| Merrivale, Burnt Oak, Edgware. | 60 | Mixed |
| Morton Lodge, Ashfield Road, Southgate, N.14. | 50 | Mixed |
| Storth Oaks, 1 Downage, Hendon, N.W.4. | 31 | Mixed |
| Woodhill House, Kentish Lane, Essendon, Herts. | 41 | Mixed |
| Meadowside, 58 Holden Road, N.12. | 50 | Mixed |
| Total | - 349 |
The Council was financially responsible for 40 people accommodated in other local
Authority Homes, and 7 residents in our establishments were chargeable to other Authorities.
We are financially responsible for 467 persons in the Homes of Voluntary Organisations.
During the year 76 people were admitted to the Council's Homes; 43 residents died, 54
were transferred to hospital and 8 returned to their home address. Short-stay accommodation
was provided for 87 persons, to enable relatives who normally care for them to take a holiday,
134 persons were admitted to Voluntary Organisation Homes of whom 10 were for short stays.
Improvements and maintenance of buildings, furniture and equipment have been maintained
at a high standard, with due regard to economy.
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