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186
Observers
Because of their avant-garde character and comprehensiveness,
services provided in this Borough for the elderly have always
attracted observers from many sources and representatives of interested
organisations have been welcomed and given every opportunity
to study our arrangements.
Advantage is also taken of our services by Health Visitors and
Hospital Students in accordance with their various curricula.
Voluntary Help and Friendly Visiting, etc.
Since the establishment of "Task Force" in the area during
1968, much of the individual voluntary effort in respect of aged
persons has declined. Nevertheless, there are several voluntary
bodies such as the B.R.C.S., W.R.V.S. and various church organisations
working within the Borough with whom the department
maintains close and constant contact.
For example, 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, and their
convalescent home at St. John's Park. Both are of inestimable
value to the Directorate in their services to the elderly.
In Greenwich, the W.R.V.S., are responsible inter alia, /or 14 old
people's clubs, one afternoon and one lunch club; they distribute
welfare foods, supply escorts for outings and holidays arranged
by the Council, provide a trolley shop at one old people's home
and clothing and bedding for the elderly homebound. Veritably
a very present help in trouble.
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
Works of Adaptation
Arrangements for Renal Dialysis
Under powers contained in Section 28 of the National Health
Service Act, 1948, it is the Council's policy to accept full responsibility
for such adaptations and that no charge is to be made to
the patient.
Following the precedent set in 1967, during the current year the
Council agreed to adapt a dwelling on behalf of a renal failure
patient and 2 were under active consideration at the end of 1971.
In situations where premises are not adaptable aid is sought from
the Housing Department for suitable alternative accommodation.
Since the scheme's inception, of the 10 patients for whom adaptations
have been made to enable them to undertake home dialysis,
2 have since died.