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 1964
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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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 | Mr. B. 85 years | This elderly man who was suffering from arteriosclerosis and had burnt his right arm and hand was in need of hospital treatment. His medical practitioner obtained a hospital bed but when the ambulance called Mr. B. refused to go and the doctor asked for assistance in persuading Mr. B. to enter hospital for treatment. He was visited by the Deputy Medical Officer of Health who agreed that hospital admission was necessary. As Mr. B. persisted in his refusal it was necessary to go to a Justice of the Peace for compulsory removal. Such order was obtained on the 20th April, 1964 and Mr. B. was admitted to hospital that afternoon. Mr. B. settled fairly well in hospital and an extension of the order was not necessary. | Not exceeding three weeks | Geriatric Hospital | Died at home 9.8.64 |
| 2 | Mr. K. 88 years | Mr. k. first came to notice of Public Health Department late in 1964 when there was a suggestion that he might accept Part III accomnodation. He declined and as he was then quite active, no further action was taken. Mr. K. visited the Department from time to time with regard to chiropody appointments and meals service. A telephone call was received from his medical practitioner that Mr. K. was ill, had refused examination and treatment and would not go to hospital. A visit was made by the Deputy Medical Officer of Health when he again refused examination or hospital admission. In view of Mr. K's condition an application was made to a Justice of the Peace for an order for compulsory removal and Mr. k. was admitted to hospital that afternoon. | Not exceeding three weeks | Geriatric Hospital | Died in hospital two days later |
Fortunately, in only the two cases mentioned above was Order for removal
of the elderly people under the National Assistance Acts. The following
are examples of the ways in which the Department's health officers were
able to take action or ameliorate conditions.