London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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52
During the year a number of talks on health subjects were given by the Deputy
Medical Officer of Health to local organisations.
Health Films Exhibited.
The Good Housewife in her Kitchen.
Defeat Diphtheria.
Stanley Takes a Trip.
Why Won't Tommy Eat ?
Here's Health.
The Nose Has It.
Unwanted Guests.
Your Children and You.
Old Wives' Tales.
Teeth are to keep.
Your Children's Meals.
Your Very Good Health.
Unseen Enemy.
Insects as Carriers of Disease.
Your Children's Sleep.
Cleanliness Brings Health.
Transmission of Disease.
Behind the Menu.
National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 47.
The authority of the Public Health Committee was obtained in five instances
under this Section for Court proceedings to be instituted, as necessary, with a view
to Orders being made for the detention and maintenance in suitable premises for
periods not exceeding three months in regard to persons who (a) were suffering
from grave chronic disease, or being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated were
living in insanitary conditions and (b) were unable to devote to themselves, and were
not receiving from any other persons proper care and attention. In only one instance,
however, was it necessary to obtain an Order from the Court (after giving interested
parties seven clear days' notice); the other cases being dealt With by voluntary
admission to a Welfare Home, or being subject to a postponement action.
Details of the Court case are as follows:—
| Name | Reasons for Council's Action | Period named in Court Order | Type of accommodation to which Removed | Ultimate Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs. H. (86 years) | Mrs. H., a registered blind person, was living in most insani-tary conditions and although she had also a blind daughter, aged 66, residing with her, offers of home-help assistance or accommodation in a L.C.C. welfare home were refused. | Not more than three months | L.C.C. Welfare Home in the Borough. | Mrs. H. was removed to this home on an Order under Section 47 of this Act. The blind daughter accompan-ied her mother at her own request. |
In addition to the above I found it necessary personally to invoke the procedure
for an immediate removal to be effected, upon certification by a Magistrate, under
the powers contained in the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951.