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 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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| Name and Age (1) | Reasons for Council's Action (2) | Named in Order (3) | Type of accommoda-tion to which removed (4) | Ultimate Result (5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| had refused to go to hospi-tal, although suffering from auricular fibrillation and a discharge from the left leg, proceedings were possible with the minimum of de-lay. The Deputy Medical Officer of Health con-firmed that Mrs. W. was suffering from a grave chronic disease and refused to have hospital treatment. After a J.P. made an Order, removal took place the same day under the direc-tion of a Sanitary Inspec-tor as in similar cases. | ||||
| (12) Mr. M. (86 years) | Mr. M. was cared for by a married daughter when reference was made to the Town Hall by the patient's medical adviser who stated that his patient refused very necessary medical attention for conditions requiring urgent hospital treatment. This aged per-son was found by Officers of this Department to be very ill lying on rags in a dirty condition. Offers of help were refused. A J.P. made an Order. | Not exceeding three weeks | General Hospital | Patient deceased one week after removal. |
Cleansing and Laundry Service for Incontinent Old Persons.
In April, 1954, the Council approved the setting up of a Cleansing and Laundry
Service for Incontinent Old Persons, whereby their personal attire and bed'dothing
could be cleansed, free of charge, in cases recommended to the Medical Officer of
Health and approved by him. Requests for the service would be made by the
District Nursing Association, Hospitals, General Practitioners, etc., and investigated
by the Old People's Health Officer. As provided in Section 122 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, these cases could be dealt with where it was considered
that the soiled articles were filthy, dangerous or unwholesome, and that health was
affected or endangered thereby.
Arrangements were made with the Baths Superintendent for the establishment
of a Laundry for this purpose at the Essex Road Baths ; suitable equipment was
installed, and the Department's service commenced on 19th October, from which
time until the end of the year 20 recipients were approved for the service. Collection
from, and delivery of the articles to the patients' homes was also provided for in the
service.
127 washings were carried out, and 1,223 articles were cleansed. In view of
the fact that this was an entirely new venture, smooth-working arrangements were
soon made and a satisfactory service established.