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 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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| Name and Age (1) | Reasons for Council's Action (2) | Period Named in Court Order (3) | Type of accommodation to which removed (4) | Ultimate Result (5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (3) Mr. M. (86 years) | This aged person was suffering from ill-nourishment, failing memory, high degree of deafness and was too frail to care for himself. The case was brought to our notice by a brother who was unable to assist as he himself was aged. The home was pitifully neglected with a filthy and greasy bed and an accumulation of rubbish. There was a danger of fire and a filthy smell emanated from the room occupied in a basement. Sec. 47 proceedings, as in all other instances, were only instituted as an extreme measure as Mr. M. refused to go away to a Welfare Home. Alter this took place the basement was closed under the relative provisions of the Housing Act, 1936. | Not exceeding six weeks | Welfare Home | Deceased within one month after admission. |
| (4) Miss P. (74 years) | This old lady, who said she had no one in the world, was suffering from bronchitis and malnutrition when the sanitary inspector reported on conditions in the home. She had to rely on neighbours to get her food and at Christmas time only had jellied eels. Candles were used for lighting and in consequence there was a danger of fire. Owing to the stench from her room, people in the house insisted on the front door being kept open. Miss P. refused to leave her home in a ground floor room, which was in a filthy condition. | Not exceeding six weeks | Welfare Home | Subsequently remained in Home as a voluntary patient. |
| (5) Mrs. H. (75 years) | Court proceedings were instituted as the landlady was going into hospital and this would leave Mrs. H. ill alone in the house. A married daughter said "I am not in a position to assist her at all and feel the action the Islington Borough Council is taking is in her best interests." This aged person, at the time of removal, was suffering from hypertension, chronic gastritis and underfeeding, and was unable to shop, cook or cleanse her room or person. Her room was cluttered with rubbish, milk bottles, tins and junk. De | Not exceeding six weeks | Welfare Home | Subsequently settled down in Home on a voluntary basis. |