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These conditions were dealt with at the Council's Treatment Centres.
Bacteriological Examinations
The number of specimens sent to the Public Health Laboratory, County Hall, S.E.1,
for bacteriological examination was 4,831. This compared with a total of 5,526
specimens submitted last year. The annual fluctuations are due mainly to the extent
of dysentery outbreaks in any particular year.

SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
Visits by Principal Medical Officer
Twelve visits to elderly persons were made by Dr. G. Young, Principal Medical
Officer. These calls were made at the request of general practitioners, home visitors,
etc. in circumstances where it was felt action might be necessary under Section 47 of
the National Assistance Act, 1948. Two cases were dealt with under section 47; both
persons subsequently agreed to be admitted to hospital or a welfare home to receive
care and attention.
Home Visiting
The Council employed three home visitors (S.R.N.) and four assistant home
visitors to visit elderly persons in the Borough. A small amount of visiting was also
carried out by the nursing staff attached to the bathing and treatment centres at
Seven Sisters Road and Finsbury Health Centre.
Decentralisation - Pilot Scheme
A pilot scheme of decentralisation was instituted at the East Islington Welfare
Centre, 32 Drayton Park, N. 5, and the Pine Street Welfare Centre, Pine Street, E. C. l
The two assistant home visitors concerned were based at the centres for
consultation on the needs of the old people in the area and for home visiting as
required. This enabled enquiries concerning old people, sanitary complaints, etc. to
be made either by personal call or by telephone to the appropriate centre. It was
planned to extend this scheme to other areas, which should result in a more easily
accessible service to both medical practitioners and members of the public.
A total of 12,278 visits were paid during 1966, of which 980 were to new cases
previously unknown to the department.
National Assistance Acts, 1948 & 1951
Section 47 Removals
Two elderly persons were removed to hospital during the year, under the
provisions of Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, which enables the Council to
obtain orders for the compulsory removal of patients for their own good, in accordance
with certain specified circumstances. One of the elderly persons subsequently died,
and one remained permanently in hospital.
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