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50
National Assistance Act, 1948
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951
Removal to Hospital of Persons in Need of Care and Attention
Under the provisions of the above Act, application may be made to a Court
of Summary Jurisdiction for an Order for the compulsory removal to hospital of
persons in need of proper care and attention.
It was not found necessary to take action under these Acts in respect of any
person in the borough during the year.
In all cases it was found possible to find a solution in other ways, either by
co-operation with the family doctor or by making use of available services.
National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 50
Burial or Cremation of the Dead.
During the year eleven burials were carried out by the Council.
Hammersmith Old People's Welfare Association
During the course of the year under reveiw the Old People's Welfare Association
continued to expand its services, forging even closer links with the Health Department.
In the provision of meals a further heated van was purchased during the year and
it has been agreed to open another Luncheon club in the College Park area. This
service is now delivering some 300 meals a day: 150 for the luncheon clubs and
150 mobile meals.
One very useful service to the elderly which became established during the
year was the re-decoration of old people's rooms by members of the United Nations
Association. The Old People's Welfare Association provides the means in the way
of material and the U.N. members, who are quite skilled in the work, undertake the
re-decoration, quite voluntarily, at week-ends.
The decision of the London County Council to make no charge for chiropody
treatment to persons receiving old age or retirement pensions is another contribution
to a healthier old age. There was a considerable influx of new patients when the
word " got around " that chiropody was free!
The Executive Committee of the Association expressed its concern in the
autumn over the dangers to elderly people from oil heaters. A leaflet was prepared
by the Association, drawing attention to the dangers, and circulated to old people
throughout the Borough.
Personal Health Services
The County Council remained responsible for the personal health services
with Dr. B. E. A. Sharpe and Dr. E. M. Cran as Divisional Medical Officer and
Deputy, respectively.
Much of the day to day administration of the service was provided by the
Medical Officers of Health for the Boroughs of Chelsea, Fulham. Hammersmith and
Kensington, which four Boroughs comprise Division 1.
The liaison between the staffs of the County Council and the Borough Council
continues on a very happy and cordial footing.