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Of these admissions during the year, only three women were
admitted who were on the waiting list as at the 1st January 1966.
Although it will be seen that a reasonable number of admissions
have been effected, the numbers on the waiting list at the 31st December
1966 were 21 men and 69 women. Many applicants have been waiting for
two years or more because of the lack of suitable accommodation and the
high incidence of emergency admissions. On several occasions emergency
beds have had to be put up, resulting in further overcrowding. Other
emergencies have been met with the assistance of other welfare authorities.
Holiday and Short Stay Admissions
During the year under review 29 persons have been admitted
for periods to enable relatives who are caring for elderly persons within
their own homes to take a holiday themselves; 8 to our own homes and 21
to other authorities and voluntary homes. A number of other persons
have been assisted in making private arrangements owing to the impossibility
of meeting the demand from the borough's resources. It is
not anticipated that the situation will improve during the coming year.
New Accommodation
Plans have now been prepared for the erection of a purpose-built
home for 30 residents in the grounds of Coombe 0aks Warren Road, Kingston
Hill, but it is not anticipated that building will be able to be commenced
until early in 1968, and it is unlikely that the building will be ready
for occupation before the end of 1969o
The Ministry of Health has given approval to a scheme for an
extension to Fircroft, 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, to provide 24 extra beds
for residents.
It is anticipated that plans for this extension will be ready
for submission to the Ministry of Health some time next year, but it is
not possible to predict when the building will be commenced.
The Borough Council is negotiating for the purchase of a property
known as Coombe Barton, Coombe Lane West, New Maiden, and the Ministry