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BURIAL AND CREMATION
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act 1948 it is the duty of the local
authority to cause to be buried or cremated the body of any person who has died in or
been found dead in the area, in any case where it appears to the authority that no
suitable arrangements for the disposal of the body have been or are being otherwise made.
The expenses incurred may be recovered from the estate of the deceased persons, by
death grant subject to the contribution conditions being satisfied, or from any person who
for the purposes of the Act was liable to maintain the deceased person immediately before
his death.
Nine cremations or burials were carried out during the year.
CREMATION CERTIFICATES
The Medical Officer of Health, Deputy Medical Officer of Health and a Senior Medical
Officer are appointed Medical Referees under the Cremation Acts 1902 and 1952. During
the year 962 certificates were examined and approved, this being an increase of 215
over the previous year.
DOMICILIARY LAUNDRY SERVICE
This service is available to assist families to care for the elderly, or to nurse
chronically sick people of any age at home.
The cleansing and laundering of soiled linen and clothing is carried out by the
Hendon Group Hospital Management Committee at Colindale Hospital. A once a week
collection and delivery is dealt with by the Department.
At the end of the year 28 persons were receiving assistance.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS
(STAFF HEALTH SERVICE)
During 1968 discussions continued to take place in regard to the inauguration of a
Staff Health Service and it is hoped that during 1969 a scheme will be implemented on
the following lines:
(a) The service would be operated by the Medical Officer of Health.
(b) All employees, other than casual employees engaged for limited periods, would
be medically assessed before commencing employment.
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