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31
Association was formed in May, 1951, called the Lewisham Old People's
Housing Association (LOPHA). The Welfare Association made a grant
of £100 to the new Housing Association to cover preliminary expenses,
and the latter has since bought and converted a house into flatlets for
able-bodied elderly people. Plans for buying a second house are now
under consideration. Although LOPHA and LOPWA are independent
they are in fact closely connected in that Miss Ellis acts as secretary for
both and the personnel of the two executive committees have several
members in common.
The other new development during the past year in which LOPWA
was concerned was the opening of lunch clubs by two of the Old
People's clubs. The dinners are collected from the kitchen and taken
to the clubs each day by the Meals on Wheels van. The Committee
is also examining the position as regards chiropody services for old
people. On information to date it appears that the present service is by
no means sufficient to meet the needs of old people, and the Welfare
sub-committee have been discussing ways and means of increasing the
service. It seems likely that the cost of any expansion would have to
be met by the voluntary organisation.
During the past year it was found necessary because of the greatly
increased work to appoint an additional secretary.
The laundry service carried out by the borough council for the
small number of old people living at home whose infirmity is such as to
make them incontinent of urine or faeces was continued and expanded
during the year, over 5,000 articles being cleansed. The service was
highly appreciated and it is likely that with the better equipment now
being installed in the disinfecting station the demand on the service
will continue to increase. It can only be used, however, where section 122
of the Public Health (London) Act applies.
I reported last year that I had been in touch with the Regional
Hospital Board and the Local Group Hospital Management Committee
to find out if it were possible to help early cases of incontinence by
admission to hospital for rehabilitation. For this purpose it would be
desirable to set up a geriatric unit in a local hospital, but during the year
no move was made in this direction. Early in 1952 I raised the matter
again and it is still under active consideration.
Measurement of atmospheric pollution
A sum of money was included in the estimates to set up three
stations in the borough to measure the amount of atmospheric pollution
occurring in selected areas. Three sites were chosen as follows :—
(1) In the recreation ground belonging to the London County
Council and situated at the end of Winsford Road.
(2) Wearside Road depot.
(3) Allotments situated in Verdant Lane.