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 Stoke Newington, The Metropolitan Borough]
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26
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948—SECTION 47
During recent years the question of the care of aged and infirm people
has become a matter of importance and concern and in 1951 an increasing
number of aged persons were brought to the notice of the Public Health
Department, in many instances by the Old People's Welfare Committee,
who play a very active part in providing meals, nursing, etc., for the aged.
With the co-operation of the London County Council and the Emergency
Bed Service, several aged and infirm persons urgently in need of care and
attention were removed to hospital without the necessity for application
to Court for a Removal Order.
The elderly were placed in the Homes for the Aged administered by
the London County Council, whilst those cases in need of medical attention
were cared for in hospital. From reports received, the majority of
these persons are happy in their new surroundings, and look considerably
better, due to the care and attention which they have received, and which
has been instrumental in prolonging their lives.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948—SECTION 50
During the year, three cases were dealt with under Section 50 of the
above Act, one female and two males. No relatives could be traced for the
deceased males and the Coroner referred these cases to the Public Health
Department for the necessary action as regards burial. The deceased
female had a son alive but he was unable to meet the cost of the burial.
There were no effects of any value left by the deceased persons.
In the case of one of the males, who was of the Jewish Faith, the
burial was carried out by the Burial Society of the United Synagogue,
but the cost of the burial, normally paid by the Council, was refunded to
this Burial Society.