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 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 1951
It was necessary to invoke the procedure for the removal to suitable premises
without delay in respect of one elderly person, 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 sub-section (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 are given in the following statement which
has been compiled in the form required by the Ministry of Health.
Aged and Infirm-Action taken under Statutory Powers
| Case No. | Name and Age | Reason for Council's Action | Period Named in Order | Type of Accommodation to which removed | Ultimate Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | |
| 1 | Mrs. F. 78 years | This elderly German lady was brought to the attention of the Public Health Department in August 1962, as a person who was aged and might require assistance at a later date. At that time, her home conditions were reasonable She spoke very little English, lived alone and had no relatives in the United Kingdom. She managed her own affairs, but was inclined to be rather vague and forgetful, and had got into some financial difficulties which necessitated a visit to Court. At that time, the National Assistance Board was asked to help her, She was not registered with a Medical Practitioner and the Department arranged for her to be allocated to a Doctor's list. In January, 1963, her living conditions deteriorated rapidly and, as the weather was intensely cold at that time, her Medical Practitioner was consulted as she refused to eat and would not get out of bed, A period of stay in a welfare home was recommended, but she refused to go voluntarily, and she was compulsorily removed under an Order granted by a Justice of the Peace Within a few days, | Not exceeding three weeks | Geriatric Hospital | Still a patient in a Mental Hospital |