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(b) are unable to devote to themselves, and are not receiving from other
persons, proper care and attention.
This Act enables a Local Authority, on the Certificate of the Medical
Officer of Health, to apply to a Court for an Order to remove a person in need of
care and attention to a home or hospital for a period of up to three months.
Before granting the order, the Court must be satisfied that certain conditions
laid down in the Act are met.
Action under the main Act may be protracted, therefore the National
Assistance (Amendment) Act 1951, was passed enabling the Medical Officer of
health, under delegated powers, to apply to the Court himself in an emergency.
if the amending legislation is used, a second medical certificate is required
and the maximum period of detention is three weeks.
During the year under review action was taken under the amended legislation
in 1 case.
Details of this case are set out below:-
This was an old lady of 86 years of age. She was practically housebound
and lived alone in a furnished room. The landlord was anxious to obtain
Possession. She was incontinent and refused any help offered. Visits paid by
Public Health Visitor were resented and on 30th March, 1960, the General
Petitioner attending her telephoned the Public Health Department to say that
in her opinion the old lady should be moved. She was visited by the Medical
officer of Health and the Public Health Visitor and in spite of persuasion
refused to go into hospital.
The Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Visitor again called
4th April and conditions were such th at action had to be taken under Section
47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948 as amended by the National Assistance
Amendment) Act, 1951.
The necessary Order was obtained and the old lady was removed to hospital
on 6th April. She died in hospital on 13th April, 1960.
Laundry Service for aged Incontinent Persons
The arrangements made with the Southwark Borough Council for carrying
this service continued during the year.