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50
unsuccessful, and application therefore had to be made to the Court
for an Order for his compulsory removal. This Order was granted.
It was not necessary to apply for a further order for the patient's retention,
as the hospital authorities stated that his condition precluded any
possibility of his early discharge.
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.
Throughout the year the staff of the Health Department have continued
to take an active interest in the welfare of the aged. Successful
results have been achieved, not only by direct action but also by working
in close co-ordination with voluntary and statutory organisations. Much
attention has been paid to the encouragement and implementation of domiciliary
care. On the other hand, priorities for institutional care have been
assessed when the necessity for admission to either a hospital or welfare
home has become all too obvious; it is a pleasure to record that
these priorities have invariably met with sympathetic consideration on the
part of the medical and welfare officers in charge of the institutions
concerned.
With regard to voluntary associations for the welfare of the aged,
special reference must be made to the old people's clubs, which continue
to serve as important centres for maintaining immediate contact
with individual members. Officers of the Health Department acknowledge
with gratitude the help afforded by club secretaries as soon as the
need arises. In this respect, during the year under review, there has
been considerable activity in securing chiropody facilities for club members.
Old folk are constantly enjoined not to neglect their feet, and it
is emphasised that no old person should be forced to stay indoors for
lack of a chiropody service.
Burial of Deceased Persons.
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council
are responsible for the burial or cremation of the body of any person
dying, or being found dead, in the Borough, and have power to recover
from the estate of the deceased person, or from any person who, under
the Act, was liable to maintain the deceased immediately prior to his
death, their expenses incurred in carrying out the duty, in so far as
these expenses are not covered by any grant made under the National
Insurance Act, 1946.
During the year, 10 cases were dealt with.
The burials arranged by the Council are carried out by a local
undertaker under contract, and not more than one coach is provided
for followers. The Health Department make the arrangements and
collect all available information regarding any estate left by the deceased,
particulars of his National Insurance, and the existence of any "liable"
relatives. This information is passed to the Borough Treasurer so that
he may take steps to recover the cost.
The total cost incurred in dealing with the 10 cases was £83
approximately. £36 was recovered by the end of the financial year at
the 31st March, 1955.