View report page

61
occupation of 100 beds, or which had reasonable prospects of
reaching such a figure by combining areas, anticipating rapid
increases of population, etc.
At the moment only two hospitals of Kent authorities have
accommodation over 100 beds; the Bow Arrow Isolation
Hospital at Dartford has 135 beds and the West Kent Joint
Isolation Hospital, Bromley Common with 118 beds and cots,
and neither of these institutions preserves an average daily
occupation of 100 beds.
The Erith authority has always, I believe in the past,
exhibited the principle of providing its own services and since
the year 1893 has maintained an isolation hospital for the benefit
of the area. If this policy is to be continued it will be necessary
to add additional ward accommodation to the present Sanatorium.
I would suggest that this should be in the form of
cubicle wards with a total capacity of 28-30 beds, preferably
of the 66 T " Block or cruciform type including an operating
theatre.
m
Additional accommodation for staff is also necessary, and
the refitting of the present staff rooms and bedrooms with
modern fitments is a matter of some urgency.
Belvedere Marshes Development.
I would again make reference to the Physical Training and
Recreation Act 1937, Section 4 of which enacts that a Local
Authority may acquire, lay out, provide with suitable buildings,
and otherwise equip and maintain lands for the purpose of
gymnasiums, playing fields, holiday camps, or camping sites,
or for the purpose of centres for use of clubs, societies, or organisations
having athletic, social, or educational objects.
Having regard to the aforementioned Statute, I would
submit to the Council for its consideration the possibilities of
providing a holiday camp situated on the Belvedere Marshes.
Within the purview of the scheme, I envisage suitable chalets
for accommodation, tennis courts, swimming pools, puttinggreens,
bowling green, community hall complete with cinema
and or other entertainment and dance floor, together with
children's playground including sand pits, etc. The proximity
of Abbey Wood Station and the regular train service is an asset