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4
Deaths from " Other Accidents"
The death returns reveal that no less than 37 Paddington
residents met their death during the year from " Other Accidents,"
as compared with 10 deaths from motor vehicle accidents and
28 from suicide.
An analysis of these other accidents show that 6 deaths were
as a result of accidental coal gas poisoning, 7 from accidental
drowning, and 3 through clothing catching fire. Of the 37 residents,
no less than 12 were over 70 years of age, and none was under five
years of age. It is well that attention is now being paid to " Safety
in the Home." Our own figures underline the extent to which the
aged are affected, and in particular the dangers associated with the
gas fire which is now a common feature in many homes.
There are, of course, more deaths from accidents in the home
than from accidents in the road. Furthermore, it is estimated that
medical treatment for victims of home accidents costs the country
some £5,000,000 a year. The Sanitary Inspectors and Health
Visitors, and the officers and visitors from other associations and
voluntary bodies all without doubt contribute their assistance and
advice at home visits. There is, however, room for more concentrated
efforts in this direction, and publicity by posters, through
the press, television, wireless, etc. should continue unabated; and
for the aged, a simply worded leaflet (provided at the post office for
distribution when pensions are paid) would, I am confident, prove
of immense value.
Elderly People
In my last report I referred to the inauguration of a laundry
scheme for the elderly incontinent, and also to a service for the
cleansing and bathing of old people in their homes. Both of these
facilities have been gratefully appreciated by all concerned, but
unfortunately the necessary extension is impossible without an
increase in the staff of the department.
The closest co-operation of this department continues, both
with the Old Peoples Welfare Committee and with the Health
Visitors and the Domestic Help Service of the London County
Council. This is particularly important in order that the limited
number of geriatric beds available in the hospitals should be put to
the best use. An urgent need is the provision of appropriate homes
for the elderly for those not requiring hospital treatment, and yet
incapable of looking after themselves in their own homes.
Food and Drugs Act, 1955 and Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955
During the year the Food and Drugs Act, 1955 was enacted,
and will come into operation on 1st January, 1956. The Food
Hygiene Regulations made thereunder where provisions involve
alterations to premises and equipment or substantial changes in
established trade practices will not be enforceable until 1st July, 1956.
Basement Rooms
It will be noticed that during the year only 35 basement rooms
were closed for human habitation as compared with 233 in 1953.
The policy of the Committee since 1954 has been to close only