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20
REPORT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER
The following report has been submitted by Mr. C. J. Moore,
District Officer, for which I express my thanks.
"In my report last year I mentioned Community Care and
Aftercare for those suffering from mental illness. While, so far as
numbers of patients is concerned, this service has not developed as
rapidly as had been anticipated, a wide variety of patients have
been referred mainly from hospitals or from general practitioners.
As a result of the present general policy that wherever possible
sick and handicapped persons should be cared for in their own
homes rather than in hospitals, there has during the past year been
a marked increase in the demand for various nursing requisites and
aids for the handicapped. The items provided and in common use
range from a simple bath rail to a hydraulic hoist for lifting and
moving patients. These appliances are provided on medical
recommendation on loan free of charge. This service is complementary
to the Medical Loan Depots which the British Red Cross
Society operate as agents of the County Council.
During the year the accounting for the Domestic Help Service
was transferred from the Central Office to the District Offices.
This has, I think, been appreciated by those using the service.
They are now able to discuss their queries on accounts either by a
personal call or a telephone call. It has also facilitated the collection
of outstanding arrears.
REPORT OF HOME HELP ORGANISER
My thanks are due to Miss Hocking for the report on this service
for the Beckenham and Penge area.
"1962 has produced a still greater demand for this service.
Approximately 400 per week received assistance and over
550 new cases were given service during the year.
No family received guidance under the Family Welfare
Service.
Eighteen cases in Beckenham and Penge were helped under
the Family Care Service.
One application was received from Evening Service but none
for Night Attendance."
All applications for Domestic Help Service should be made
to the District Organiser, 12, Beckenham Road, Beckenham."