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23
It is pleasing to report that the need to make arrangements of
this nature did not arise during the year, although preliminary
investigations were made in connection with two elderly people.
It is often possible, with the co-operation of other authorities,
to alleviate the unhappy circumstances under which some of these
unfortunate people are living.
Burial of the Dead.
Another task placed upon Local Authorities by the National
Assistance Act, 1948, is the interment of bodies, when no other
arrangements are being made. This too, it is hoped, is a diminishing
duty now that Death Grants are available in respect of most
people. In 1960 it was not necessary to arrange for any burial.
NURSING HOMES.
There was no change in the number of registered Nursing
Homes during 1960.
The Homes were inspected at frequent intervals during the
year, but at no time were any contraventions found which called
for action on the part of the local authority.
In the main, the beds are occupied by aged sick or aged infirm
patients.
Details of the Homes on the register at 31st Decembebr, 1960,
are as under:—
Address Number of Beds.
"Fallowtield," Ashfield Lane, Chislehurst 40
"Glenthorne," 24, Lower Camden, Chislehurst 12
"Hatherley," 12, Hatherley Road, Sidcup 9
"Redhill House," Redhill, Chislehurst 7
"The Retreat," Lower Camden, Chislehurst 4
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The Mortuary at Chislehurst Depot, which has refrigerated
accommodation for six bodies, continues to receive considerable use.
Bodies are received, after cases of sudden death, as a sequel to road
accidents, and from local hospitals. Post Mortem examinations are
performed on each body by the visiting pathologist and, when necessary,
the Coroner arranges the inquests in the room provided for
that purpose.
The work of reception of these bodies, their cleansing, preparation
for post mortem and subsequently for the undertakers, forms
a considerable part of the duties of the Disinfectors. It was decided
during the year to make them an allowance of 4s Od. in respect of
each body.