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4,577 references were made to other Authorities and to voluntary organisations
in connection with the provision of "Home-helps," National Assistance, "Meals-onWheels,"
etc.
National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 1951.
In 4 instances it was necessary to invoke the procedure for the removal of
persons to suitable premises without delay, in accordance with the provisions of the
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951.
"An order under subsection (3) of section forty-seven of the National
Assistance Act, 1948, for the removal of any such person as is mentioned in
subsection (1) of that section may be made without the notice required by
subsection (7) of that section if it is certified by the medical officer of health
and another registered medical practitioner that in their opinion it is necessary
in the interests of that person to remove him without delay."
Details of the statutory action taken under these Acts are given in the following
statement which has been completed in the form required by the Ministry of
Health:—
Aged and Infirm—Action under Statutory Powers
Case No. 1
Name and age.
Reason for
Council's action.
Period named in
Order.
Type of accommodation
to
which removed.
Ultimate result.
Case No. 2
Name and age.
Reasons for
Council's action.
Mrs. D., 74 years.
Mrs. D. had been known to our Visitors since 1954, and, with
a view to improving the state of the home, disinfestation work
was carried out in her two rooms which were cluttered with
furniture and in a verminous condition. When an Order was
obtained from a Justice of the Peace Mrs. D. was suffering from
broncho-pneumonia and hypertension and was incontinent. She
refused hospital treatment, which was considered necessary by
the Deputy Medical Officer of Health and her own doctor.
Upon her removal further disinfestation work was carried out.
This aged person stated at first that she had no relatives but
later a brother was traced who did what he could to assist.
Not exceeding three weeks.
General hospital.
Settled down in her home after return.
Mr. B., 88 years.
Mr. B.'s plight was first brought to the notice of the Department
by another person in the house who was worried early in the
year when Mr. B. walked about the house with ulcerated legs
covered with bread wrappings. He had been in and out of
hospital several times, discharging himself on each occasion
against medical advice. The home conditions were bad and Mr.
B. had difficulty in caring for himself even with help given by
another tenant. At the time of removal, following a visit by the
Deputy Medical Officer of Health and the patients own doctor,
this aged person was suffering from ulcerated legs and a heart
condition and refused medical treatment either at home or in
hospital. An Order was obtained from a Justice of the Peace.