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(ii) That domiciliary services must not break down at week-ends and holidays,
It was even seriously suggested to me recently that patients should be
admitted to hospital for the Christmas period as they cannot be maintained at
home This criticism refers particularly to the otherwise excellent Home Help
and Meals on Wheels services.
In general the coming into operation of the new Greater London Council
Boroughs will present a great opportunity for the co-operation of preventive
health and hospital services However, it is most important that:
(a) Hospital beds should be reserved for patients who are medically ill
or need heavy nursing care,
(b) Local authority welfare homes should be reserved for the severely
handicapped who are only partially independent.
(c) Modified housing schemes with wardens attached shouldbe reserved for
the more independent who need only minimal supervision
Authorities at present often cater for a type of person who is physically and
mentally healthier than those for whom the need is greatest. The fact that
the Greater London Council Boroughs will cover domiciliary health, welfare and
housing services provides the chance to create schemes in which the provisions
for the elderly are much more properly balanced5'
Details of the 32 cases alleged to be in need of care and attention are
as follows:
Removed to Hospital 5
Removed to Old People's Home 1
Left district,, obtained other housing 1
Remained at home -
(a) meals on wheels and home help provided 1
(b) meals on wheels and bedding provided 1
(c) meals and home help provided - awaiting
housing 1
(d) meals and fuel provided 1
(e) meals, fuel and home help provided 1
(f) meals, fuel and bedding provided 1
(g) meals, home help and laundry provided 1
(h) meals provided and housing obtained 1
(i) meals and registration as Blind person 1
(j) home help only provided 2
(k) home help and telephone provided 1
(1) home help and coal provided - awaiting
housing 1
(m) awaiting hospital 1
(n) awaiting housing 2
(o) chiropody arranged 1
(p) visiting arranged 2
(q) bedding provided 1
(r) helped with problems 1
(s) all help refused 4
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32
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