Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southwark, Borough of]
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(2) Number of dwelling houses in which defects
were remedied after service of formal
notices:—
(a) By owners 807
(b) By Local Authority in default of
owners Nil
C. Proceedings under Sections 11 and 13 of the
Housing Act, 1936:—
(1) Number of dwelling houses in respect of
which Demolition Orders were made 11
(2) Number of dwelling houses demolished in
pursuance of Demolition Orders —
D. Proceedings under Section 12 of the Housing
Act, 1936:—
(1) Number of separate tenements or underground
rooms in respect of which Closing
Orders were made 4
(2) Number of separate tenements or underground
rooms in respect of which Closing
Orders were determined, the tenement or
room having been rendered fit Nil
Welfare of the Aged
Early in the year the Ministry of Health suggested that local
authorities and local voluntary associations should collaborate
in promoting the welfare of the many old people who prefer
to continue to live in their own homes, although they cannot do
so in reasonable comfort without outside help. Whilst the
National Assistance Act, 1948, encourages this help by enabling
local authorities to contribute to the needs of voluntary
organisations providing mobile meal services, social and
recreational clubs, etc., experience has shown an urgent need
for services of a more personal nature, particularly frequent
and regular informal home visiting. This provides a valuable
link for lonely aged folk who are unable or disinclined to join in
communal activities, and who otherwise may become serious
cases through lack of social contact or timely observation.
Many old people are still apt to regard a visit by an official
either as "interference" or as an "investigation" which makes
it difficult to establish an atmosphere of friendly co-operation
and confidence even with the most careful approach. It was
therefore thought that informal home visiting would be best
dealt with by voluntary workers, and any case needing
assistance from an official source referred to the appropriate
quarter.