HISTORY AND DETAILS OF BENSTED HOUSE The main buildings were built approximately 1836 and con— sisted of the main square block; it was then known as the Faversham Union and controlled by the Board of Guardians. At a later date the two hospital wards were added and also the building now known as 'Larches'. At one time between the wars minor operations were carried out here and there was also a maternity Ward. At the inception of the National Health Service in 19h8 the administration.of Bensted House remained with the Kent County Council. Accommodation is provided for 98 chronic sick long stay geriatric patients, and 109 residential beds. The general administration is that of the Director of Social Services of the Kent County Council. The senior nursing and administrative staff are also responsible for the hospital patients, in conjunction with the Group Geriatric Consultant Dr. J. Pritchard. ' The approximate area of Bensted House is 15 acres, eight of which are under cultivation and generally provide fresh garden produce throughout the year. There are approximately 1hO staff employed, which includes trained nursing, care staff, maintenance, seamstress, chiropodist, hairdresser and other ancillary workers. There is close contact with all the local voluntary organisations who play an important part in keeping the elderly in contact with the outside world. The whole of the Social Services are available to residents and patients. The proceeds of Open Days and general donations by the public are used for the extra comforts of-the elderly, especially at Christmas time and festive occasions. It is due to the generous support of the public that extra amenities are provided which mean so much to the residents and patients, including outings and tours around the Kent countryside which makes life more pleasant for these people. Contact with the general public and, of course, regular visiting by friends and relatives is very important. If you feel you would like to help us with our activities by joining the League of Friends or personally helping in any way, no doubt you would care to contact the Matron, Mrs. Lucie M. Urwin, or the Superintendent, Mr.Harry K, Urwin. We thank you sincerely for your support on the occasion of this Open Day. ,.....-.....‘. i i , % . ? I writ-': . 5 IMIEAK ‘§fl’g-‘z?r/ $402” I . /—/mt? ; 0/r‘t-‘Sim? ‘ 7*.-N ._,....... ...‘ Iv vfsmaz _: ,' fl’:?7o/’.< W‘ /r0,w—f ' " A J /Q / 5‘C’7"_'£ MW L/mm V .' ___J _ _ ¢-"5 /ye//15 """"‘ _ _; ,‘ /‘’Ifl/A/ M1,, £5 V’-‘°“”" V‘ - ~ - 7 19,,/(#5,, ifloo/~7 . i 90 /'76‘/9/. § If A may ’._:_:__:S7'0/?¢=s \ _ 1 \’-%x:[;’) 3/55 7'0/L675 4:’ fl»91'/Mrs A L*~1 ,( /)w/US ,(/My/vi 1 my/vs I ’r;I._)oc»(z I oflflé?/Fm. % X fléwv , 72/Os . /a\ ~’/‘’ 1 ‘ Ni”/{}7’fl»9M/V55 ‘\—w M/mz /77/f 3 % :‘.\~\\. '0 ‘flq/WW7 V \\