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 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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The following is a summary of the action taken:-
| Total number of old people who applied | 157 | |
| Number considered unsuitable on medical grounds | 11 | |
| Number referred to London County Council for recuperative holidays | 2 | 13 |
| Number of applications approved by the Chairman | 144 | |
| Cancellations after approval | 26 | |
| Number sent on holiday | 118 |
In the main, the reason for cancellation after approval by the Chairman was ill health.
| Cost of holidays | £. | s. | d. | £. | s. | d. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board and lodging fees and fares | 1,344 | 1 | 10 | |||
| Booking fees paid to the Family Welfare Association | 25 | 10 | 0 | 1,369 | 11 | 10 |
| Less contribution by applicants | 474 | 10 | 0 | |||
| Actual cost to Council | 895 | 1 | 10 |
In each case the holiday was for a period of two weeks.
Letters of appreciation have been received from many of the old
people concerned.
Advice Leaflets
The Council arrange for the publication of a pamphlet giving
information on the services available in the borough for old people
individually or through a club. The pamphlet was revised during the
year and a new edition printed.
The Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance send to every
person in London reaching retirement pension age, a leaflet giving general
information on welfare services for old people.
S.O.S. Cards
Window display cards are provided by the Council, bearing
the letters "S.O.S." in red on one side, and on the reverse side
directions how to use the card, with space for particulars of next-ofkin
or nearest relative. These cards are distributed to appropriate
old people. Any person seeing one of the cards in a window is able to
summon help from one of the sources given on the back of the card. The
local press have generously assisted in making this service known.
Institutional and Domiciliary Care of the Aged Sick
Institutional care, home nursing, sick room equipment and
home helps are provided by the London County Council. Hospital treatment,
medical care, ophthalmic, dental and pharmaceutical services are
provided under statute by the Minister of Health.
One Hospital Management Committee in the northern portion of
the borough utilizes the part-time service of a local medical
practitioner as a clinical assessor to decide the priority need for