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
Hillingdon 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]
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This service has provided very welcome relief to relatives who normally care for their aged
folk. It was also possible to deal with other short term emergencies.
WAITING LIST
Details of aged persons awaiting admission to the Council's residential Homes on 31st
December, 1970 are as follows:
Details of aged persons awaiting admission to the Council's residential Homes on 31st December, 1970 are as follows:
| Male | Female | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillingdon Borough Residents | 17 | 57 | 74 |
| Residents in other Authority Areas | 3 | 20 | 23 |
The number of Hillingdon residents awaiting admission has increased from 51 in 1969 to
74 in 1970. This trend is likely to continue until additional Homes can be provided.
HOMES ADMINISTERED BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
In 1970 there were three such Homes within the Borough. They were:
Brackenbridge House, Ruislip (Ruislip & Northwood Aged People's
(for local residents) Housing Society)
Denefield, Dene Road, Northwood (British Red Cross Society)
Denville Hall, Northwood (The Actors Charitable Trust)
(most residents are from outside the
Borough)
PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED
There are four privately run Homes for the Aged in the Borough. These are registered under
Section 37 of the National Assistance Act and are inspected from time to time by a Principal
Medical Officer of the Deoartment.
Number of persons in Residential Accommodation (including Voluntary Organisation Homes)
at 31 st December, 1970 in various age groups:
Number of persons in Residential Accommodation (including Voluntary Organisation Homes) at 31 st December, 1970 in various age groups:
| Under 30 | 30-49 | 50-64 | Total Under 65 | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85 a over | Total 65 a over | Total All Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 18 | 26 | 55 | 221 | 206 | 482 | 508 |
The proportion of the older age groups in the Homes continues to rise. In 1968 31% of all
residents were 85 years of age and above. This increased to 37% in 1969 and to 40% in 1970.
These figures reflect the tendency for people to live to a greater age. It is also true to say that
with the improving domiciliary services and the increase in the number of sheltered housing
schemes, admissions to Residential Homes are delayed until persons are older and more infirm.
For this reason it is likely that additional nursing staff will be required in all Homes in the
near future.
OLD PEOPLE'S WORKSHOP
In spite of staffing difficulties during the year the work centre in West Drayton was still well
attended.
The Centre is open for two hours each morning and afternoon and work is provided by local
industry. At present 20 aged persons are on the register.
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