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A few applications for burial were received in 1963, but in
only one instance was it necessary for the Council to undertake this
service.
NURSING HOMES.
One new Nursing Home with provision for 27 beds was
registered during the year, making a total of six Homes on the
Register at the 31st December, 1963.
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 at present on the register are as under:—
Address Number of Beds.
"Fallowfield," 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
"Derwent House," Camden Park Road, Chislehurst 27
Total 99
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The Public Mortuary is situated at the Council Depot at
Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst. Adjacent is the "Coroner's
Room," where formal inquests are held and in which improved
heating arrangements have been provided during the year.
The Chief Disinfector and his assistant also undertake the task
of Mortuary Attendants and the time occupied in this work increases
year by year. Post Mortem examinations were carried out by the
pathologist on 259 bodies during the year compared with 243 in
the previous twelve months. Similarly, 23 inquests were held compared
with 18 in 1962.
HOSPITAL SERVICES.
There are four hospitals situated in the District. Queen
Mary's, Sidcup Cottage and Cray Valley all come within the control
of the Sidcup Hospital Management Committee, whereas Grove
Park (which is only partly within the Urban District boundaries),
comes under the purview of the Lewisham Group Hospital Management
Committee.
The "Friends of the Hospital" have been particularly active
and the year has seen the provision of a telephone trolley at
Sidcup Cottage Hospital.