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of the most informed kind. Efforts to raise funds through whist drives, a
stall at the local horticulture show and other social events have also helped
to this end. The voluntary organisations include the Beckenham
Brotherhood, British Legion, Rotary, Women's Guild, Women's
Citizens, Women's Co-op, Beckenham and Penge Trades Council, Co-op
Guild, B.R.C.S., W.V.S., and S.S.A.F.A.
If boredom is the greatest disease of mankind, the work of the
Women's Voluntary Service on behalf of old people, including their
compaign for radio sets for old age pensioners, in combating this illness
in regard to old people is admirably shewn in their report. As a member
of the Medical Society for the Care of the Elderly, I can greatly appreciate
their efforts. In the case of old persons, the medical condition is the
guiding factor in all efforts to assist, including their admission to
Nursing Home, Old Persons Home or Hospital.
The Health Committee are concerned with the care of old people in
other indirect ways, including the registration and supervision of
Nursing Homes. The supervision of Old Persons Homes, however, is
carried out by special staff of the local health authority. This staff are
also responsible for the admission of persons to these homes. Durham
House, a home designed for 39 old people, and an extension to
Thornton House were also opened during the year. Local efforts provided
a Television set for the lounge at the latter Home.
Under Section 187 of the Public Health Act, 1936, the Committee
recommended registration of one new private Nursing Home of 10-12
beds. Before registration, inspection of each house is carried out with
special regard to structure, sanitary arrangements, fire protection to
diminish by guards and suitable furnishings the spread of fire, equipment
including drug cupboards, sluices, kitchen and food stores, and to
suitable and sufficient staff. A difficulty with regard to the supervision of
staff is the increasing need of homes to employ part-time staff who
live out This gives the impression at times of under-stalling.
During the year the Committee received reports on the repair of
insanitary houses as part of their review of slum clearance and rehousing,
These reports followed the visits of a special sub-committee, accompanied
by the Medical Officer of Health, and Chief Sanitary Inspector, to houses
which had been reported as being insanitary within the meaning of
Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1936, and subsequently repaired by and at
the expense of the owners and made fit for habitation.
Legally sub-standard houses were in one way or another before the
Committee throughout the year, either for the above, or for improvement
or for certificates of disrepair. In addition, the Committee considered
improvement grants for the conversion of fit houses to form
additional dwelling units.
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