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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 the buried or cremated the body of any person who had 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,
from any available death grant, or from any person who for the purposes of the Act was
liable to maintain the deceased person immediately before his death.
Six cremations or burials were carried out during the year.
CREMATION CERTIFICATES
The Medical Officer of Health, Deputy Medical Officer of Health and aSenior
Medical Officer are appointed Medical Referees under the Cremation Acts 1902 and
1952. During the year 1301 certificates were examined and approved.
DOMICILIARY LAUNDRY SERVICE
This is a service to assist families to care for the elderly, or to nurse chronically
sick people of any age at home.
A once a week collection and delivery is available, and the cleansing and
laundering of soiled linen and clothing is carried out at Colindale Hospital. This
service is much appreciated by all who use it and thanks are due to the Hendon Group
Hospital Management Committee for their co-operation.
At the end of the year 39 persons were receiving assistance.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS
The system of medical examination prior to entry to the Council's service had been
replaced for some years now by a medical questionnaire, a medical examination only
being necessary in cases in which there is any doubt and matters which need further
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