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138
July of the current year saw the introduction of "Task Force"
and great things are expected of this-organisation when it finally
"settles down" in the area.
In part due to inconvenient hours, nature of duties and low
rates of pay, some difficulties have been experienced in finding
staff for the newly established Ashburnham Hostel. As a result,
this scheme for long- and short-term care for subnormal boys and
girls has not yet been fully implemented.
Homes for Old People
During the year, no changes or additions were made to the
accommodation available for the reception of old people in need
of care and the Council's Part III homes continue as before, viz:
Perrygrove, Rectory Field Crescent, S.E.7.
Plumstead Lodge, Plumstead Common Road, S.E.18.
Sunbury Lodge, Sunbury Street, S.E.18.
Weybourne, 1 Finchale Road, S.E.2.
The total number of beds available, both in our purpose-built
homes (282) and in Southern Grove Lodge (179) remained unchanged
for our planned new homes, "Tegel" and "Elm Grove",
still only partially built, will not be available until late in 1969.
Admissions
The "admissions panel" Ted by the Deputy Medical Officer of
Health continued to function most effectively in assessing the degree
of urgency attaching to the needs of elderly people known or
referred to the various branches of the Department. Admissions
at 514 showed a slight decrease from the previous year and fell
into the following categories:—
(i) New Admissions
Greenwich Small Homes (including five short-
stay cases 113
Southern Grove Lodge 69
(ii) Holiday Admissions (scheme to give relief to
relatives and others caring for old people and
otherwise unable to take a holiday)
Greenwich Small Homes 36
Southern Grove Lodge 7
(iii) Re-admissions (mainly from hospitals and
holidays) 289
Recreation
Day-to-day routine life of residents in the homes was varied
with the usual outings such as shopping expeditions to Woolwich