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hospitals' geriatric services was satified by a decision of the Council
to appoint the Consultant Geriatrician at St. Alfege's Hospital as
its geriatric adviser on its own services for the elderly. This
appointment will lead to a situation where each elderly person will
receive appropriate care from the appropriate authority.
Geriatric Unit
Since 1st April, 1965, close links with the Geriatric Units in
the Borough have been further strengthened and regular discussions
at the St. Alfege's Hospital Staff Meetings give rise to
greater understanding of common problems.
Nutritional Supplements
Prior to the recent merger, both Greenwich and Woolwich
Council had centres for the sale, at preferential rates, of various
nutritional commodities, to bona fide retirement pensioners. Since
April, additional centres for distribution have been established and
the variety of foods extended in order that an ever widening section
of the elderly community will be reached with a greater choice of
supplements.
The Council's present scheme is very popular and forty-six
Old People's Clubs covering over 400 participating members are
making regular purchases of foods such as Ovaltine, Marmite,
Horlicks, Bovril, Ribena and Complan for re-sale to their members
at reduced costs. Non-Club members can purchase these foods
from the W.R.V.S. offices at Woolwich, the Citizens Advice Bureau
at Eltham, and from the Health and Welfare Department at
Greenwich. Relatives and friends may obtain supplies from these
Centres for homebound elderly people on production of a registration
card. Sales are restricted to persons of pensionable age and
only in sufficient quantities considered reasonable for that person's
own consumption.
During the year sales exceeded £5,500.
Housing
Regular consultation takes place between the Public Health
Officers and representatives of the Housing Departments of this
and the Greater London Councils. Furthermore, active participation
in the selection of elderly persons for residence in local
almshouses and Housing Society properties is also undertaken by
the department's officers.
A new Council flatlet scheme at Plumstead Common Road
which, in addition to the usual housing amenities also provides a
warden service and communal recreation rooms, was completed by
the end of the year and the accommodation fully occupied.