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under such an Order is limited to three weeks, instead of three months,
and any application for an extension of this period must be made in
accordance with the procedure laid down in Section 47. An application
under the new Act may be made by the Medical Officer of Health
without special authority from the Health Committee in each individual
case, provided a general authority to act is given. Such general authority
has been given by the Council to the Medical Officer of Health and his
Deputy.
It was found necessary to use these emergency powers in one case
during the year. This case was a woman of 84 years of age, who was
living alone in one room under most insanitary conditions and was
clearly quite unable, by reason of her age and physical infirmity, to
devote to herself proper care and attention, and who had no relatives
or other persons who would assist her in any way. All efforts to
persuade her to enter hospital voluntarily were unsuccessful, and
application had therefore to be made to the Court for an Order for
her compulsory removal. This Order was granted and subsequently
executed. She eventually agreed to remain in the hospital and to give
up her room, so that it was not necessary to apply for a further Order.
Many other cases of persons, mostly of advanced age, alleged
to be living under unsatisfactory conditions, were reported and investigated.
In some of these it was found possible to arrange voluntary
admission to a hospital or other suitable place, and some cases were
still under observation at the end of the year.
Care of the Aged.
The welfare of the aged continues to be of immediate concernFortunately,
the old people's clubs provide an opportunity for old folk
to meet and to help one another should the need arise. Close liaison
is maintained between the secretaries of these clubs, the Battersea Old
People's Welfare Committee and the staff of the Health Department.
By virtue of this co-ordination a chiropody service operating entirely
on a voluntary basis was inaugurated in 1952. Subsidised by the
Battersea Old People's Welfare Committee, the service has proved to
be a success. Old age pensioners are now able to obtain treatment by
qualified chiropodists at a specially reduced charge. Thanks are due
to the chiropodists who have expressed their interest in the scheme, and
who have agreed to give full treatment at reduced fees.
Old people who are unable to attend club meetings would welcome
visits by their relatives, friends and neighbours. In some cases,
however, elderly people lead a lonely existence. Instead of achieving
the peace that comes of experience, they touch the lowest level of
depression. It is precisely in these circumstances that a visit by a
member of the staff of the Health Department contributes to theiR
welfare and well-being. In addition, visits are paid by a group of
voluntary workers, including the personnel of the Meals-on-Wheels
Organisation. Nevertheless, there is room for expansion. More
volunteers are urged to come forward in order to lighten the task and
to ensure an equitable distribution of visits throughout the Borough.
Any elderly person, who would like to be visited, should apply
to the Health Department so that arrangements may be made accordingly.
So far as possible, the visit will be made by a volunteer residing
in the vicinity, but the success of these arrangements will depend largely