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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.
The following hospitals have Geriatric beds under the supervision
of Dr. Nicholson, Consultant Geriatrician:—
Brook Hospital
St. Nicholas Hospital
Memorial Hospital
The Greenwich District Hospital also provides Geriatric beds
under the care of Dr. Boyd, Consultant Geriatrician.
Voluntary Units
Among the many duties undertaken by the B.R.C.S. in respect
of the elderly is the efficient management of their home for
geriatric patients at the "Gables", Blackheath Park. The following
statistics indicate the use made by local hospitals of this
valuable asset:—
Patients Admitted 326
Patients Discharged 330
Average Daily Occupancy 97%
Average Length of Stay 50 days
As so often reiterated, many families provide full-time care for
infirm relatives and, in this onerous task, they deserve all the
support that can be given. In addition to the use made of the
Council's Part III accommodation, opportunities for relatives to
take a well-earned rest whilst their charges convalesce are also
provided by the B.R.C.S. at their "Edith Priday" Home in St.
John's Park. The accompanying figures reveal the advantages of
having such a unit located within the Borough with which we
maintain such close associations:—
Patients Admitted 814
Equivalent Number of
Bed Days 14,323 (94.3%)
Average Length of Stay 18 days
Average Age of Patients 80 years