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1. Mrs. P., aged about 90 years, was found to be suffering from
malnutrition, debility and chronic arthritis of legs and was
living in insanitary conditions. Because of her age and
physical incapacity she was unable to devote to herself,and
was not receiving from other persons, proper care and attention.
Attempts were made to persuade Mrs. P. to enter hospital
voluntarily but as she refused there was no alternative but,
in her own interests, to apply to a Magistrate for a removal
order which was granted.
2. Mr. B., aged about 86 years, was found to be infirm and
physically incapacitated and living in insanitary conditions.
He was unable to look after himself and had no assistance
from other persons. Mr. B. refused to enter an institution
and, in his own interests, there was no alternative but to
apply for a removal order which, however, was refused by the
Magistrate. Shortly after the application for compulsory
removal Mr. B. voluntarily consented to enter an institution
and this was arranged.
3. Mrs. M., aged 70 years, was found to be suffering from cerebral
thrombosis and was aged, infirm and physically incapacitated.
Arrangements were made by her medical practitioner for her
removal to hospital but she refused to go and in her own
interests application was made for a removal order which was
granted by the Magistrate.
Although application to a Court was only made in the three
cases mentioned above there were 150 other cases brought to the
notice of the Department where aged persons were in need of care
and attention. It was possible in a number of cases to provide the
necessary care for these old people in their own homes and the Home
Help Service provided by the London County Council was particularly
helpful In this way. In other cases where it was not possible to
make satisfactory provision in their own homes the old people were
persuaded to enter a hospital or an institution. Mention should be
made of the medical staffs of St. Matthew's Hospital and Bethnal
Green Hospital and the Admittance Officers of the London County
Council's Southern Grove Lodge who invariably showed the utmost
kindness, sympathy and understanding In dealing with these distressing
cases. Their help has at all times materially eased the
problems and difficulties of the Public Health Department in this
work.