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National Assistance Act, 1948
National Assistance Amendment Act 1951
Removal to Suitable premises of persons in Need of care
and Attention
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Acts, a
Medical Officer of Health is empowered to apply to the courts
for an Order for the compulsory removal to a hospital or other
suitable place, of persons who are suffering from grave chronic
disease, or, being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated,
are living in insanitary conditions and unable to devote to themselves
and are not receiving from others proper care and attention.
During the year 17 cases were referred to the Department as
being in need of care and attention but in only one instance was
it necessary to take action under the above Acts, This was in
respect of:-
Mrs. A, age 69 found lying in entrance to rooms by
Police and refused to go to Hospital, stated by own
doctor to be suffering from Arthritis, and lack of
nutrition, with consequent loss of power to legs,
quite unable to look after herself. An Order for
removal under an Emergency Order was obtained and
she was removed to Hospital. This order was later
extended.
With regard to the other cases it was possible to find a solution
either by reference to the family doctor or by applying other
available services such as admission to Hospital, assistance by
Home Helps, District Nurses, Old people's welfare Association, or
by our Health Laundry,
Burial or cremation of the Dead
It is provided by section 50 of the National Assistance Act
1948, that a local authority shall arrange for burial or cremation
in the case of any person who has died or been found dead in the
Borough Where it, appears to the Authority that no suitable arrangements
have been or are being made for a funeral.
During the year twelve burials, including two stillborn children
and one unknown child were carried out at a cost of £13.5.0.,
of which amount £88.9.2d., was recovered.
Hammersmith Old people,s welfare Association
The Hammersmith Old people's welfare Association Which discovers
and meets the needs of necessitous old persons, continued
to make further progress during the year.
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