View report page

10
disappoints. Since publication, the indefatigable Chairman is
proving to be an enthusiastic votary for the radical reorganisation
of the social services and he has pursued his declared aim with a
dogged elan, while making it clear that his recommendations are
not negotiable. In the climate which has now been created, a
statement of the Government's intentions is long overdue, since
the prolonged interregnum is not contributing to stability in the
health and social services. In the meantime, the experiment in this
Borough of area multi-disciplinary teams continues and I am
grateful to all who are making generous and successful efforts to
integrate.
The state of the vital statistics for the year indicates a satisfactory
trend. The infant and maternal mortality rates are down
and although total deaths in the Borough show an increase of
of 2.2%, apart from heart disease, all other major causes of death
have declined. The total number of notifiable infectious diseases
has diminished substantially, mainly because of the measles
biennial fluctuation. This biennial pattern is likely to be altered
as a result of the measles immunisation campaign, although it has
been found that parents do not show the same concern for this
protection as for diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis and
tetanus.
During the year under review, several new ventures were
launched: "Task Force" has become established in the area and, if
the present momentum can be maintained, should prove to be a
useful addition to the domiciliary services for the aged and the
handicapped. The Council are fully aware of increasing problems
in the care of the aged and have determined a policy for providing
small residential homes over the next few years to meet future
reasonable needs. According to this programme, all Greenwich
elderly will have been moved from Southern Grove by the end of
next year, when two new small homes will be in full occupation. A
further 3 lunch clubs were opened during the year, bringing the
total to 15 and excellent day centre facilities are now available at
Federation Hall for the homebound and handicapped elderly.
Although our transport fleet has been increased considerably
and regularly over the years, there are still deficiencies which are
difficult to overcome. Even with the most rational deployment of
vehicles, it is impossible to meet all our known commitments. In a
service for the homebound or disabled, transport is a crucial element
and is absolutely essential if outdoor activities are to be encouraged.
The mental health services were given further resources. A new
hostel for mentally-handicapped children at Ashburnham Grove
was opened but staff are not being recruited in the numbers necessary
to maintain full occupation. Our new industrial training centre for