View report page

16
to passing a medical examination, which includes a chest X-ray
usually carried out by the permanent mass radiography units at
Drayton Park and Maida Vale. Examinations are normally
carried out by the Medical Officer of Health (or the Deputy
Medical Officer of Health in the case of female staff).
Eighty-five examinations were undertaken during the year.
Forty were in respect of new appointments; 33 were for transfer
to the permanent staff; 8 sere special reports required because
of absence through sickness; 3 were for extension of service;
1 was on behalf of another authority. Six persons were found
to be unfit to carry out their duties and were recommended to
be placed on superannuation.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT. 1948. SECTION 50.
In eighteen instances the Public Health Department were
called upon to arrange the burial of a person who was either
without any known relative, or the relatives were unable to
meet the cost of arranging a private funeral.
The total cost of the burials was £212. 18s. 3d., and of
this amount £170. 7s. 2d. has so far been recovered from the
estates of the deceased, from relatives or from death grants.
CARE OF THE AGED.
The number of old people seeking the assistance of the
Department during 1963 was 151. In only two cases however
was it considered necessary to apply to the Magistrates for an
Order for compulsory removal to a hospital or home.
One case was an old lady of 86 who was not able to
devote to herself proper care and attention by reason of age,
mental condition, and the fact that she was living in insanitary
conditions. An order was obtained for her removal to a
London County Council Welfare Home for a period of three weeks,
but she agreed to remain in the home voluntarily and no further
Order was required.
The second case, a lady of 82 years, also living in
insanitary conditions and unable to look after herself by
reason of age and infirmity finally agreed to go into a
hospital voluntarily, and the Magistrate's Order was not
required.
The problem of providing adequate services in order that
elderly and frail persons might be cared for in their own homes