London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Richmond upon Thames 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]
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When preventive measures have either been refused or have failed, team work is
again essential to alleviate suffering and provide care, especially if an old person is
determined to stay at home against medical advice, or has refused residential accommodation.
The problem will be all the more acute if mental confusion is superimposed on
physical frailty and extraordinary measures may be necessary to meet the individual
needs.
During 1969, it was not considered appropriate to admit anyone to hospital under
Section 47 of the National Assistance Act.
At the end of the year, consideration was being given to the provision of a day
clinic for older people at Stanley Road Clinic, Teddington. The purpose of the clinic
will be to provide additional medico-social facilities for patients who have already been
through the medical check and screening procedures at the Maddison Clinic, Church
Road, Teddington and who are considered to be in need of more frequent supportive
care in order to prevent social isolation from whatever cause with resultant breakdown
in standards of living and nutrition, inevitably leading to progressive deterioration.
The clinic will provide physiotherapy, group therapy with consultant psychiatrist,
medical consultation and discussion, health education and other subjects.
The Friends of the Maddison Clinic have very kindly indicated their desire to
participate in this project by providing volunteers to help and transport for patients
and to make provision for certain equipment.
I am indeed indebted to the Friends of the Maddison Clinic for their continued
valuable help to the older citizens of the Borough.
Residential Accommodation.
Mr. J. D. Elliott, D.P.A., A.I.S.W., Chief Welfare Officer, comments:—
"The following table shows the number of persons accommodated on the 31st December, 1969, either in the Residential Homes under the control of the Council or in Homes run by Voluntary Organisations or other Local Authorities where this Council is financially responsible for the maintenance charges:—
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsmead, Richmond (180 beds) | 54 | 110 | 164 |
| Laurel Dene, Hampton Hill (76 beds) | 12 | 63 | 75 |
| Hampton Court House, Hampton Court (53 beds) | - | 52 | 52 |
| Craig House, Ham (51 beds) | 8 | 41 | 49 |
| Forbes House, Ham (37 beds) | — | 37 | 37 |
| Moiravale, Hampton Wick (29 beds) | 7 | 21 | 28 |
| 81 | 324 | 405 | |
| Residents in Voluntary Homes for whom the Council is | |||
| financially responsible | 66 | 99 | 165 |
| Residents in other Authorities' Homes for whom the | |||
| Council is financially responsible | 6 | 27 | 33 |
| 153 | 450 | 603 |
Of the total of 603 persons, 80 of these in the Borough Homes were accommodated
on behalf of other Local Authorities making a net total of 523 persons for whom the
Council was financially responsible as at 31st December, 1969, an increase of 31
compared with the corresponding date last year.
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