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7
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care and
attention.
Section 47 of the above Act provides that a Local Authority
shall be responsible for the removal to suitable premises of
persons who are suffering from a grave chronic disease or
being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated, who are living
in insanitary conditions and who are unable to devote to
themselves and are not receiving from other persons, proper
care and attention.
It has been found necessary on two occasions to apply to the
Court for Orders under this section during the year.
Enquiry and consideration into both cases showed that, in
their interest and for preventing injury to the health of others,
they should be removed from the premises in which they were
residing.
In one case an Order was obtained from the West London
Magistrates' Court for the patient's removal to and detention
in an Institution for a period of three months. It was not
necessary to apply for an extension as the patient died within
this period.
In the other case, an Order was obtained from the West
London Magistrates' Court for the patient's removal to and
detention in Hospital for a period of three months, which was
extended for a further period of three months.
Fifty-seven other cases, all elderly persons, alleged to be
living without proper care and attention, were reported,
but in no case was it found necessary to take legal action to
enforce removal to hospital. It was possible, however, to
arrange the voluntary admission of seven cases to Hospital
and four cases to an Institution.
Eight cases were referred to the duly Authorised Officer of
the London County Council.
Burial or cremation of the dead.
It is provided that the Local Authority shall arrange burial
or cremation in the case of any person who has died or been
found dead in the Borough, in any case where it appears to the
authority that no suitable funeral arrangements have been
or are being made.
The Council may recover from the estate of the deceased
person or from any person who for the purposes of this Act was
liable to maintain the deceased person immediately before his
death, expenses incurred for the burial or cremation.