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totals over 5,000. Every effort is being made to increase the
home services designed for their assistance.
Two more 'meals on wheels' vehicles were brought into service
during the year, and three new luncheon clubs were established.
All meals are now being supplied by the Council's Catering Department
from the central kitchen to the luncheon clubs and 'meals on wheels'
service. The Council's incontinent laundry service was doubled.
Two more full-time Welfare Visitors were appointed to meet the needs
of the elderly. The Council's Old People's Welfare Committee had
a busy year, and reports excellent support from the various voluntary
agencies active in this work in the Borough.
The Council's Smoke Control programme received added impetus
during the year, with the bringing into operation on the 1st October,
1963 of the Eltham Smoke Control Area, in which there are some 5,500
premises, with a total acreage of 1,550. In addition, the preliminary
work for the declaration of the Well Hall Smoke Control Area,
comprising over 4,000 dwellings was completed; the operative date
for this Area being October, 1964.
The various tasks of the Public Health Inspectors concerned
with the supervision of the local food supplies, infectious diseases,
housing and other environmental health duties continued smoothly.
Important new duties were given to the Inspectors for the implementation
of the Offices, Shops, and Railway Premises Act, 1963. I am
pleased to report that the Council's student training scheme for
Public Health Inspectors continues to prove its value.
With the appointment of a full-time Health Education and Home
Safety Officer, who has been able to concentrate on this work, good
results have been achieved. Details of the many local publicity
measures taken during the year are contained in the Report.
At the time of writing, plans for the reform of London
Government which affect the work of the Health Department greatly are
now well advanced. As we approach the Appointed Day for the transfer
of all the County Council Health and Welfare Services, except the
Ambulance Service, to the new London Borough of Greenwich, the
opportunities which lie ahead for the Members and Officers of the
new Borough in the field of Health and Welfare are apparent. The
smooth implementation of all the local services will not be an easy
one, but I am certain that it will be achieved speedily and effectively.
It remains for me to thank the Chairman and Members of the Health
Committee and other Members of the Council and Chief Officers for their
support and interest during the year. I would also like to pay a
special tribute to the staff of the Department for their valuable work
and support during another busy year.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
T. STANDRNG.
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