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193
The Greenwich District Hospital also provides Geriatric beds
under the care of Dr. Boyd, Consultant Geriatrician.
Geriatric Adviser to the Council
In his Circular 10/65, the Minister of Health pointed out that
although the various Health and Welfare Services for the elderly are
not under one authority, their purpose is to provide what is essentially
a single service for each individual who needs it.
There are indications that, despite every effort made to the
contrary, much undiagnosed illness and undisclosed disability in
the elderly exists.
It was clear that early recognition of changes in the physical or
mental condition of our old folk in the Council's homes would be
most satisfactorily achieved by a doctor responsible both to the
hospital and to the local authority. This desire for a closer association
between the Health and Welfare department and the hospitals'
geriatric services was satisfied by the decision of the Council to
appoint the Consultant Geriatrician at the Greenwich District Hospital
(St. Alfege's Wing) as its geriatric adviser on its own services
for the elderly. This appointment has led to a situation where each
elderly person now receives appropriate care from the appropriate
authority.
Geriatric Units
Since 1st April, 1965, close links with the Geriatric Units in the
Borough have been further strengthened and regular discussions at
the District (St. Alfege's) Hospital Staff Meetings give rise to greater
understanding of common problems.
Holiday Relief for Relatives
As so often reiterated, many families provide full-time care for
seriously infirm relatives and, in this onerous task, they deserve
all the support we can give them. A scheme providing temporary
accommodation for old people in order to enable their relatives to
take a holiday has been of major importance in the Council's
policies regarding its geriatric services. It has been the subject of
increased publicity during recent years. In accordance with this
scheme, 73 such persons were admitted to Old People's Homes
during the year of whom 57 were actually accommodated in the
Council's own residential establishments, generally for a period of
2 weeks.
Once again, as the result of a combined effort of trained staff
and voluntary help, some 61 old persons who also had considerable
disability were enabled to enjoy a holiday under the Council's