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Social Services
By the end of 1970 a Social Services Committee had been formed and a
Director of Social Services appointed. A report by the Director of Social Services including
the work of the Children's Committee is incorporated in this report.
Housing Report
In the first paragraph of the Housing Report the Housing Manager refers to
the provision of accommodation for elderly persons and I am glad to note that additional
elderly persons' dwellings will be constructed during 1971.
The greatest need in the borough as I have been emphasizing for several years
is the need for old people's dwellings, not only for elderly persons who can live on their
own in the community, thereby reducing the numbers on the waiting list for old people's
homes, but also for transfer of elderly persons who are living in under-occupied accommodation.
I hope that considerably more progress will be made on the construction of old people's
dwellings during the next few years.
Future Developments
During the year progress was made in planning the Health Centre at Roundshaw
and the conversion of Shotfield Clinic to a Health Centre by the provision of surgeries for
general practitioners.
The construction of the Junior Training Centre including a swimming pool in
Robin Hood Lane was begun during the year. The Sutton and District Society for Mentally
Handicapped Children have generously donated £5,500 towards the cost of the swimming
pool. As a result of legislation control of the Junior Training Centre passes from the Health
Committee to the Education Committee on 1st April, 1971.
Construction of the Hostel for Subnormal Adults was commenced during
the year but by the time it is completed control of the hostel will pass from the Health
Committee to the Social Services Committee.
The Health and Family Services Department comprising Health, Social
Services and Housing was almost unique in the country and I personally regret the break-up
of the department. The Chief Officers of the new departments will, however, continue to
work in close collaboration.
I have pleasure in recording my grateful thanks to all the staff of the Health
and Family Services Department and particularly to the Principal Medical Officer, the
Chief Public Health Inspector, the Chief Nursing Officer, the Director of Social Services
and the Housing Manager for their contributions to this report. The helpful advice of all
the other Chief Officers and their senior colleagues has been much appreciated.
Finally I would express my thanks to all members of the Council and
particularly to the members of the Health and Family Services Committee for their support
and guidance throughout the year.
W.H. KIIMSTRIE, MB., ChB., DPH.
Medical Officer of Health
Principal School Medical Officer
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