VPRS 19370 Reports of Almoner's Department and Social Work Department

This series consists of the reports prepared by the Almoner of Prince Henry's Hospital. The Almoner prepared monthly reports until May 1958. Thereafter, the reports were prepared for each quarter. Most of the reports include statistical information for the reporting period. Insufficient staffing was often reported as being a problem. In 1953, the Medical Superintendent conducted a review of the Department at the request of the Board of Management. He concluded that whilst it was likely probable that staffing was a problem, the work could be refined so that it became less time-consuming. An almoner was appointed in late 1934. The Hospital's Almoner's Department opened on 18 March 1935. One of the principal aims of the Almoner's work was to help patients in need, to ensure that the doctor's orders were understood and carried out, and that any difficulties in the fulfilment of those orders were removed. The Almoner's Department made arrangements for convalescence, after-care, railway passes and fares, admission to benevolent homes, and pensions etc. From November 1962, the Almoner's Department was re-named the Social Work Department. The Senior Almoner (previously Almoner) became the Senior Medical Social Worker.