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The service is operated with two vans provided by the City Council
and loaned to the Society. The Council also makes an annual grant to
the Society of 75 per cent, of the running costs of the vans.
The meals are obtained from a firm of caterers, and are placed in
individual containers and kept in heated chambers on the vans until
delivered at the homes of the old people. The meals cost Is. 6d. each,
and consist of meat, two vegetables and a sweet, or lighter diets for those
requiring them. The old people pay 8d. for the meal and the London
County Council bear the difference of 10d.
Some 12,589 meals were delivered by this service during the year,
with the assistance of the Society's voluntary workers. This invaluable
help is very much appreciated by all concerned.
Aged Persons in Need of Care and Attention.
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Acts, a Medical
Officer of Health is empowered to apply to the Courts for an order for
the compulsory removal to a hospital or other suitable place, of persons
who are suffering from grave chronic disease or, being aged, infirm or
physically incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions and unable
to devote to themselves, and are not receiving from others, proper care
and attention.
One aged person was removed to a home under these provisipns
during the year.
Aged and Infirm Persons.
Number of aged and infirm persons visited by the Council's
officers during the year 155
Total number of inspections made with regard to these 936
Primary 129
Re-inspections 807
Cases of aged and infirmed persons brought to the notice of
the Medical Officer of Health during 1956 129
In dealing with these cases, the co-operation of the Westminster Old
People's Welfare Association, the London County Council's Home Help
Service, both of which are accommodated in the Public Health Department,
and the " Meals on Wheels " service of the British Red Cross
Society has been of great value.
Mobile Library Service.
The City Council provides a library service for the aged, and books
are issued to them at Darby and Joan Clubs. For those who are unable
to leave their homes, delivery is made there.
Bathing Facilities.
The City Council has made available to old age pensioners facilities
whereby they can have hot baths at the Council's public baths at reduced
charges.