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28
although our experience shows that the need for Homes for sick
old people is greater than ever.
The addition of the Bromley Group to the Orpington and
Sevenoaks Hospital Group as a "catchment" area should help to
fill the vacancies experienced hitherto. Consideration is being
given to the possibility of obtaining patients from a wider field.
The home has been the recipient of numerous gifts and the
Committee is indeed grateful to all those who have so kindly
assisted in one way or another.
"Armstrong House," 1, Southlands Grove, Bromley.
This Home is run by the Save Our Souls Society, and the
following report for the year ended 31st December, 1952, has been
received:—
"Accommodation.
Capacity 28
Weekly average number 27
Admitted during 1952 7
Departures during 1952
(5 residents transferred and 3 died) 8
Present residents: Men 16
Women 12
Average age, 79 years.
Source of Supply and Liaison.
Vacancies as they arise are still offered to, and generally
filled by, the Welfare Officer, Kent County Council, Maidstone.
Due to the small number of vacancies, many applications have to
be refused each month.
General Health.
With an average age of 79 it is not surprising that the general
health of the residents can only be described as "fair." From
many points of view the winter, which started early, has been
a very trying one for old people and acute illnesses have not
been uncommon.
The difficulty of arranging admission of sick residents to
Hospital has not been lessened during the year and the strain
on the staff called upon to nurse chronically sick old people who
require hospital attention has been severe and during times of
emergency affects the whole house.
Medical Attention.
Several residents are in constant need of medical attention
and the Doctors who attend to the old people could not have
been more helpful. Routine weekly calls are made and
emergency visits whenever necessary.