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
Kensington and Chelsea 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
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In addition 30 burials or cremations were arranged as follows for persons resident in the Council's homes at the time of death:
| Cases where part only of the costs have been recovered | 8 ( 7) | |
| Cases where the full cost has been borne by the Council | 4 (17) | |
| Cost of burials | £1,280. 0s. 6d. (£1,296.19s.0d.) | |
| Amount recovered | £ 997.17s. 8d. (£ 901. 9s.6d.) | |
| Net cost to the Council | £ 283. Os.lOd. (£ 395.10s.3d.) | |
Settlement of Estates
When a person dies for whom the local authority have been providing
services arising from the National Assistance Act, 1948, they are
required to arrange the settlement of the estate. This is carried out
in consultation with the Treasury Solicitor.
On 1st January, 1970. there were 39 estates outstanding. During
the year 92 estates were referred for settlement and 87 estates were
wound up involving receipts and payments of £3,922 and at 31st December,
1970, a total of 44 estates were still in hand.
Receiverships
The Chief Welfare Officer is designated to act as Receiver, by
order of the Court of Protection, of the property of persons who are
deemed to be mentally incapable of managing their own affairs.
At 1st January, 1970, he was so acting in the cases of five persons.
During the year one died and two new orders were taken, leaving a total
of six Receivership cases with estimated value of £55,729.17s.2d., and
for whom a total sum of £8,251. 1s. 3d., was disbursed during the year.
Application for a Receivership Order has been made to the Court of
Protection in one further instance.
Removal to Suitable Premises of Persons in Need of Care and Attention
The local authority is empowered to remove persons suffering from
grave chronic disease, or who are aged, infirm or physically handicapped
and who are living in insanitary conditions and unable to devote to
themselves, and are not receiving from other persons, proper care and
attention (Section 47 and the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951. )
Several cases were investigated during the year but it was only
necessary to take action in the case of two women and two men. They
were all admitted to King's Mead.
TRAINING OF SOCIAL WORK STAFF
Field Work Staff
During the year there were two innovations in the field work section.
A team clerk was attached to each of the three teams of, social welfare
officers operating within the Borough. This has been a, very helpful
development which has freed the social welfare officers from certain
routine duties, thus giving them more opportunity to work directly with
and on behalf of clients.