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(e) Homes for the Aged.
The arrangements made by the County Council for the
care of old people in institutions have been severely curtailed
by war-time difficulties, and it is now extremely difficult to
obtain accommodation in any of the County Hospitals, even
when advancing years and chronic illness make it essential
that these old folk should have more care than it is possible
to receive from relatives or those with whom they live. It is
to be hoped that this problem will be dealt with before long.
The S.O.S. Society opened a Hostel for old people at
75, Bromley Road, Beckenham, in 1944, and this has met a
real need. The Beckenham Old People's Committee has
helped in many ways to provide extra comforts and furnishings
for the occupants of this Hostel.
(f) Private Nursing Homes.
Most of the premises used for this purpose were damaged
by bombing and had to be closed. At the end of 1947 there
were six private homes registered in the Borough and these
provided a total of 58 beds.
These premises were inspected under the Nursing Homes
(Registration) Act, and 23 visits were made to the premises
by the Assistant Medical Officer of Health.
(g) Nursing Arrangements.
Professional Nursing in the Home.
(a) Midwifery. The County Council remains the supervising
authority under the Midwives Acts, and repeated applications
by the Borough Council for delegation of powers have been
refused.
The Kent County Council provide 5 midwives for this
area, and in 1947 they attended 222 confinements.
(b) General. For all general Nursing in the Home the services of
the Queens Nurses are available. This service is organised
by the Beckenham & Shortlands District Nursing Association,
and the West Wickham & Hayes District Nursing Association.
These Associations employ 5 nurses. A small fee is payable
according to the citcumstances of the patient, or families
can join as Annual Contributors. The number of visits made
annually by these Nurses is about 10,000 and every type of
case is undertaken with skill and kindness.
(h) Ambulance Facilities.
1. For Infectious Diseases.
The West Kent Joint Hospital Board provide motor
Ambulances for the removal of Fever cases to Hospital and
return cases to their homes when discharged.
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