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SECTION 5
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT 1948
Section 47.—Persons in need of care and attention.
This section gives the Local Authority powers for the purposes of
securing the necessary care and attention of persons suffering from grave
chronic disease, or who are:—
(i) aged, infirm or physically incapacitated.
(ii) living in insanitary conditions.
and (iii) unable to devote to themselves and are not receiving from other
persons proper care and attention.
The local Authority on receipt of a certificate from the medical officer
of health may apply to a court of summary jurisdiction for an order to
remove the person to a suitable hospital or other place. An order may not
be made for a period in excess of three months but the court may from
time to time by order extend that period for a further period not exceeding
three months.
There is no doubt that this power of removal has been exercised
generally to the benefit of many old people, and many others have been
helped as a result of investigations and the efforts of the Department to
secure proper care and attention before taking summary action. The
Sanitary Inspector takes action with regard to the sanitary conditions,
fumigation of the premises is arranged. If required, the home help cleans
the rooms, and the home nurse is available to attend the patient. Voluntary
organisations are sometimes asked to assist by providing bedding and
clothing.
No person was removed under Section 47 during 1950, but the following
are brief reports on some of the cases which were investigated with a view
to compulsory removal.
Case A.—A man of 83 years who lived alone in two rooms. He was frail and
unable to give himself proper care and attention. His rooms were dirty, damp
and dilapidated and although they were swept clear of rubbish, very little
cleaning was done. Two sons called daily to see him. He appeared to be
mentally alert and at first rejected the suggestion that he should be removed
from the rooms as he claimed he was perfectly happy but he finally agreed
and was admitted to a home for old people.
Case B.— Two sisters of 68 and 71 years living in one room which was
verminous referred to the Department by their Doctor as both suffered
from extensive impetigo of the scalp, and were verminous. They agreed to
be admitted to hospital for treatment and while there they were given notice
to vacate their rooms and accommodation in a home for old people was found
for them by the Area Welfare Officer.
Case C.— A single woman of 76 years living alone. There had been complaints
from other tenants of the house regarding the insanitary conditions in which
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