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NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948
Section 47
Where necessary, the Council has authority under this Section
of the Act to make application for a Court Order for the emergency
removal to hospital, or institution, for a period not exceeding three
months, of an aged, infirm, or physically incapacitated person who
is suffering from a grave chronic disease or is living in insanitary
conditions and who is "unable to devote to himself, and is not receiving
from other persons, proper care and attention."
There is also provision under the National Assistance (Amendment)
Act 1951 for a magistrate to order the emergency removal
of such persons to a hospital or institution for a period not exceeding
twenty one days, on certification by the Medical Officer of Health
and a general medical practitioner. During the year under report,
it was necessary to make application for a committal order under this
Act in respect of an old lady aged 78 who was living alone and was a
severe diabetic case. Contrary to the advice of her doctor she had
refused to have hospital treatment despite the fact that she was fully
aware of the serious state of her health. Unfortunately, the old
lady's condition continued to deteriorate and she died within one
month of her admission to hospital. It is only in exceptional cases
of this kind, where persuasive efforts have failed, that compulsory
measures are adopted.
During the course of the year, five old people agreed voluntarily
to be admitted to homes for the elderly and the necessary arrangements
were made.
Section 50
Under this section of the Act it is the responsibility of the Council
to arrange for the burial or cremation of a person dying in the
Borough where there are no relatives or other persons who would be
prepared to make the funeral arrangements. Where possible, the
Council's expenses in such cases, inclusive of an administrative
charge, are recoverable from the deceased's estate.
During the course of the year six burials were arranged at the
request of the Coroner's Officer and particulars of these cases are
given hereunder:
1. Mr. G. G.
Body recovered from Thames. Sister only
relative traced, her financial circumstances
being such that she could not contribute
towards the cost of the funeral. Council's
expenses recovered by death grant from
Ministry of Pensions & National Insurance.
2. Mrs. J. P. K.
Burial arranged after post mortem in the
absence of relatives prepared to accept
responsibility. Nearest relative a brother
resident in Eire who intimated he or other
relatives were unable to contribute towards
the cost of the funeral. Council's expenses
recovered by death grant.
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