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27
After oral proof of the allegation in the Medical Officer's
certificate, and subject to examination of such person by a
Registered Medical Practitioner to be nominated by them, if
they think fit the Court may make an order for the removal of
such person to a suitable hospital, infirmary, poor law, or other
institution, or otner suitable place, and for the detention and
maintenance of such person therein for a period not exceeding
three months in the first instance. The order may be renewed
for further periods of three months each.
The cost of the removal and maintenance in a suitable place
shall be borne by the Sanitary Authority. The Sanitary Authoritymay
be required to contribute towards the maintenance of any
dependents of that person, as the Sanitary Authority may think
fit, or as thev may be directed by the Court.
The Guardians may assume such obligation as may be agreed
upon between them and the Sanitary Authority.
At any time after the expiration of six clear weeks from
the making of the order, an application may be made to the
Court by, or on behalf of, the person "in respect of whom the
order was made for its rescission; three cLear days' notice must
also be given to the Medical Officer of Health.
In connection with this Section of the Act, one case was
brought to my notice during the year—an aged and infirm woman
of independent means, and who owned her house. She was
miserly, lived alone under deplorable conditions, and refused
to change her mode of living. While the circumstances of the
case were under consideration, this woman had a fainting fit in
the street and was removed to Lewisham Hospital. Application
was made by me at Greenwich Police Court for an order for
her detention i.i the Hospital. The Guardians were represented
in Court by one of their Officials, who protested against an order
being granted, as the woman had independent means. The
magistrate refused to grant an order for her detention in
Hospital, but would consider a fresh application for an order
when the woman returned home to her insanitary surroundings.
A relative ultimately persuaded the Ond woman to go direct to
a Private Nursing Home after her discharge from Hospital.