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14
Removal of old and infirm persons to institutions etc.
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the
Council may apply to a Court for an order to remove to a
suitable institution any person who-
(a) is suffering from grave chronic disease, or
being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated,
is living in insanitary conditions, and
(b) is unable to devote to himself, or is not
receiving from other persons, proper care
and attention.
Although many cases were investigated during the year,
only one resulted in formal action being taken under the
section. This was the case of a man, aged eighty-one. He and
the room occupied were found to be in an extremely dirty and
verminous condition. The man was confined to bed and was
quite incapable of any exertion.
Repeated visits were made by the Council's Woman Health
Officer in the earlier part of December, but the man refused
all offers of help or to be removed from his room even
temporarily, so that he and his room could be cleansed.
The conditions were so bad that on 20th December the
Chairman of the Public Health Committee authorised me to take
action under Section 1+7 of the National Assistance Act, 1948,
for the compulsory removal of the man to hospital.
All necessary steps were taken and the case was due to
be heard on 9th January, 1951. On 1st January, however, it was
learned that the man had been found dead the previous day and
the proceedings were withdrawn.
Burial of the Dead
Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, imposes
on the Council the duty to arrange for the burial or cremation
of any person who dies or is found dead within the borough,
where no suitable private arrangements are made for the
disposal of the remains.
This section came into force on 5th July, 1948, and the
Council authorised the Medical Officer of Health to make
arrangements for the burial of any person to whom it applies.
This work was previously carried out by the London County
Council through their public assistance officers.
In the twelve months ended 31st December, 1950, the
Council became responsible for the burial of 1+2 persons
dying in the borough. The following is a summary of the
action taken
(a) Cases where the Council's funeral
expenses have been fully recovered 16
(b) Cases where part only of the expenses
has been recovered 17
(i) Number of these where balance
of expenses will be recovered 6 (amounting to
£9.13s.5d. )
(ii) Number of these where there
is no estate or "liable" relative 7
(iii) Number of these where "liable"
relatives are unable to
contribute 4