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Whllst this provision Is very necessary in order to deal with
unusual and very difficult cases it is one which should be resorted
to only when all else has failed.
A number of cases came to the notice of the Public Health Department
where it was suggested that conditions would justify action under
this section. Mostly they were old people living alone but there
were some cases of elderly married couples. On investigation it was
found that some of these people were unaware of the facilities provided
by the London County Council under the Home Help Service and
the provision of a Home Help solved most of the difficulties. In
some cases it was possible to arrange voluntary admission to a
hospital or other suitable place. In a few instances arrangements
were made for adequate care to be provided by friends or relatives.
In only one case was it necessary to resort to legal proceedings.
A Magistrate's Order was obtained for the removal of an elderly
woman to hospital, where she unfortunately died after a few days.
(13) Burial of the Dead
In accordance with Section 50 of the National Assistance Act,
1948,. the Council is responsible for the burial or cremation of the
body of any person who had died or been found dead within the Borough,
and where no private arrangements are being made for the disposal
of the body. Authority is given 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/her death, the
expenses incurred in carrying out the duty, in so far as these
expenses are not covered by any grant under the National Insurance
Act, 1946.
During the year, 12 burials were arranged by the Department at a
cost of £102. 19s. Od. of which £36. 12s. Id. was recovered up to
the end of the year, and a further £17. 13s. 6d. in respect of
burials carried out before the period under review.
(14) Mortuary
The Council's Mortuary at St. Matthew's Row continued In use
during 1953 and during the year 314 bodies were received and 302
post-mortem examinations were carried out.
The mortuary serves the Boroughs of Bethnal Green and Shoreditch
but it is an old building which is not readily capable of being
modernised and it has no provision for refrigeration.