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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
AGED PERSONS
Following a suggestion contained in a Memorandum issued with Ministry of Health
Circular No. 18/1965, area geriatric liaison committees were set up by the North-East
Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board for the East London, Forest and Thames Groups of
hospitals, on which committees the medical officer of health represents the Council's
Health services.
Two of the departments six old people's visitors resigned during the year to take
up other appointments. It was decided not to fill the vacancies pending consideration
of the future of this service with that provided by the Welfare Department.
Home visiting forms the major part of the work of the 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.
The Council is empowered by Section 47 of the National Assistance Act 1948, as amended
by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act 1951, 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 heed of
care and attention.
This year it was found necessary to apply for 18 such Orders under this enactment,
in respect of 13 old persons who were removed to hospital and 5 to a welfare home.
Statistics will be found on page 118.
CLEAN AIR
Three smoke control orders covering 933 acres became operative during the year,
namely the Poplar No. 16 Order made by that Council on 5th October, 1964, theStepney
No. 5 Order made on 13th December, 1963 and the Stepney No.6 Order made on 19th November,
1964.
Tower Hamlets No.2 Order was made by the Council this year and was awaiting the
Minister's confirmation at the end of the year.
Early next year the final Order will be made, when the whole borough will be covered
by smoke control orders.
53.