View report page

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Aged Persons
The amalgamation brought together from the three Boroughs 6 visitors to
the aged. The interchange of ideas, pooling of knowledge and a common policy
has been to the benefit of the Borough's "senior citizens". Good liaison is
maintained between the Council's Welfare Department, other social workers,
statutory and voluntary, and general practitioners and hospital geriatric
consultants. Exchange of information between the old people's visitors and
hospitals is of extreme importance, particularly prior to the discharge home
of patients, so that any necessary services can be provided for their well being
and comfort and so obviate the necessity for further admission to hospital.
The Council is empowered by Section 47 of the National Assistance Act 1948,
as amended by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act I951, to make application
to a court of summary jurisdiction for an order for the removal to a hospital
or institution of any aged, infirm or physically incapacitated person living in
insanitary conditions and who is in need of care and attention.
This year it was found necessary to apply for eight such Orders under
this enactment, in respect of 7 old persons who were removed to hospital and
of one to a welfare home.
Home visiting forms the major part of the work of the department's old
people's visitors leading to arrangements for the provision of services needed,
but mention is made elsewhere of departmental services also supervised by them,
viz. incontinent laundry service, home bathing service, compulsory removal to
hospital, treatment of scabies and cleansing of verminous persons.
Statistics will be found on page 92,101,104.
Animals
The Corporation of London, through its veterinary officers and inspectors,
carries out on an agency basis duties imposed on the Council under the
Diseases of Animals Act 1950 and associated Acts, Pet Animals Act 1951,
Performing Animals Act 1925, and Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1965.
A summary of the work carried out appears on page 101.
47.