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29
Aged Persons in Need of Care and Attention
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Acts, a Medical
Officer of Health is empowered to apply to the Courts for an order for
the compulsory removal to a hospital or other suitable place, of persons
who are suffering from grave chronic disease or, being aged, infirm or
physically incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions and unable
to devote to themselves, and are not receiving from others, proper care
and attention.
Although several cases were investigated during 1960, it was not
found necessary to use these compulsory powers.
Aged and Infirm Persons
Most of the visiting of the aged and infirm is done by the Westminster
Old People's Welfare Association social worker. There are occasions,
however, when a visit by the Public Health Inspector is required, either
because he has specialist knowledge or because of his statutory powers.
Forty-three such visits were made during the year.
Mobile Library (Personal Delivery Service)
Anyone unable through age or infirmity to get to one of the City
Council's Libraries can apply to the Librarian at any branch of the
Westminster Public Libraries to be placed on the list for the Personal
Delivery Service. Each person using this Service receives a fortnightly
home-visit from a qualified member of the Libraries Department.
Books are also available at the Darby and Joan Clubs.
Bathing Facilities
The City Council has made available to old age pensioners facilities
whereby they can have hot baths at the Council's public baths at reduced
charges.
Cleansing of Bed Linen of Elderly and Infirm Persons
Facilities have also been made available by the Council for the cleansing
of bed linen of elderly and infirm people when it has become fouled and
unwholesome.
Home Nursing and Midwifery Services
In October, 1959, the London County Council submitted to the
Minister of Health for approval amended proposals for carrying out its
duties under Section 25 (Home Nursing) and Section 23 (Midwifery
Service) of the National Health Service Act, 1946, whereby the County
Council would assume direct responsibility for these services and no
longer employ the staff of district nursing associations.
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