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289
DEPARTMENTAL TRANSPORT
Despite extensive changes brought about by the introduction of
the Social Services Act of 1970, involving the division of the
previously integrated department, such were the circumstances
with regard to vehicles and staff that the Departmental Transport
was obliged to continue to serve both the Health and the new
Social Services Directorate during the current year.
Duties of the Transport Officer were made even more onerous
by the fact that, with almost no increase of vehicle strength, he
was constrained to cater for a 30% increase in meals-on-wheels
as well as an expansion in services for the various handicapped
groups.
Clearly, transport for the new Health Directorate will not be
of the same order as hitherto, the scope for which has not yet
been finally agreed. In addition to catering for all the Child
Health Centre demands and collections and deliveries concerning
immunisation, vaccination and cervical cytology services it will,
of course, have to meet an increasing need for the medical loans
and nursing aids scheme.
During the current year, an old L.C.C. coach which had reached
the end of its useful life for the Council's purposes was sold for
£300 to St. George's Hospital, Wimbledon, for carrying its wheelchair
cases.
A new minibus was introduced to the Stonefield Children's
Reception Centre but the vehicle it replaced was retained as a
standby.
During 1971, the policy of replacing a converted van used for
conveying homebound elderly to Day Clubs, etc., by a Rootes
Commer 2000 converted van with tail lift was so successful that
it was the intention to introduce a further two vans of similar
design early in the following year.
At 31st December, 1971, the Transport Officer was responsible
for some 60 vehicles being used in the service of both Directorates.