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
Fulham 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]
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29
S. O. S. CARD SCHEME
The S.O.S Card Scheme was started in August, 1953, with the object of getting
help quickly to elderly people in emergency.
Total cards issued since scheme started 115
Total cards issued during 1959 11
OLD PEOPLE'S LAUNDRY
(Section 122 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936)
Service for Incontinent Persons:
A scheme under the provisions of this Section to cleanse the linen and bedding of
aged, infirm and incontinent persons was commenced in March. 1952, and is proving of
real benefit. The work is carried out at the Disinfecting Station where modern
equipment is enabling the staff to deal quickly and efficiently with the work.
By arrangement with Chelsea Borough Council the laundry of their old people is
dealt with at the Station.
The following 15 052 articles of Fulham residents were cleansed during the year:-
| Sheets | 3,806 |
| Pillow Cases | 1,473 |
| Towels | 1,863 |
| Underwear | 5,269 |
| Mattress Covers | 165 |
| "Pieces" | 2,181 |
| Blankets | 295 |
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 19 48, SECTION 47
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE (AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951
Visiting of old people whose circumstances require assessment under the above
Acts is carried out by the Public Health Department.
One old person, aged 83, was removed under the Amendment Act by a Magistrate's
Order to Fulham Hospital because she was living in insanitary conditions, unable to
devote to herself and not receiving proper care and attention from other persons.
She was admitted on 26th June 1959 and died on 24th August, 1959.
Departmental Records of Old People
The details of old persons as they become known are recorded in the Department and the number although fluctuating is on the increase.
| Number of new cases investigated in 1959 | 330 |
| Number of above recorded for supervision in 1959 | 155 |
| Number of deaths recorded in 1959 | 72 |
| Number of old people admitted to Hospitals. Homes and Institutions permanently | 57 |
| Number of cases referred to other Authorities and Organisations, or Miscellaneous | 29 |
| Number left District | 7 |
| Hospital Liaison Visits | 129 |
| Re-visits | 1,036 |
| Total number of cases under supervision at end of year | 437 |
| Total number of cases recorded in Department | 1,416 |