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COMMUNITY CARE
Recuperative Holidays
Recuperative holidays are provided on medical recommendation under
Section 22 and Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, for persons
who, following a recent illness, are in need of rest, good food, and fresh air,
but who do not require regular medical supervision or organised nursing care.
The categories of patients eligible include: mothers with babies and young
children; tuberculous persons; severely physically handicapped adults; old
people; the chronic sick (following exacerbation of illness); other adults. Provision
is made for schoolchildren under the Education Act, 1944.
The majority of homes used are privately owned and offer varying standards
of accommodation, hygiene and regulations. Acceptance of financial responsibility
for recuperative holiday patients implies responsibility for their care and
well-being and it is essential therefore that the establishments should be inspected
before approval is given as a recuperative holiday home.
The inspection and approval of recuperative holiday homes was carried
out by a medical officer from Southwark on behalf of nine other London boroughs.
During the year 52 existing establishments were inspected and 16 new homes
were added to the approved list.
A total of 179 adults, 48 children over five years and 28 under five years
were sent on a recuperative holiday. Arrangements were also made with the
Inner London Education Authority on behalf of 229 children over five years
and 9 children under five years.
Nursing Homes
There are two nursing homes in the Borough registered under the provisions
of Part VI of the Public Health Act, 1936, and the Nursing Homes Act, 1963;
neither is registered under the Abortion Act, 1967. A principal medical officer
continued to visit and advise the matrons on aspects of health, hygiene, prevention
of accidents and other matters.
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