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GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH
SHORTAGE OF HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION
During 1960, the plans for the major developments at the
Barking Hospital were well in hand and it is hoped that within
the next few years Barking will have its own general hospital.
HEALTH EDUCATION
During the year staff, principally medical officers, health
visitors and public health inspectors, took every opportunity to
teach the main essentials of health education to the people of
Barking.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT 1948
It was unfortunately necessary during the year to take power
under the Act for the compulsory removal of three persons who
were no longer capable of caring for themselves at home and who
were unwilling voluntarily to enter hospital.
The first case was an old lady of 84 years who lived alone
and refused all offers of assistance. She was admitted to St.
George's Hospital, Hornchurch, where after several weeks, she
appeared to settle down happily although somewhat confused mentally.
The other cases were a brother and sister aged 74 and 78
years respectively, who lived together and who both became progressively
less able to manage. They had been maintained at
home for several years with the services of a domestic help and
a weekly bathing visit, but eventually it became necessary to
admit them to "The Willows", Hornchurch, which is maintained
by the Essex County Council.
WELFARE SERVICES
The following information was kindly supplied by the County
Welfare Officer of the Essex County Council:-
"The table indicates the extent to which the various services provided
by the County Council under the provisions of the National Assistance
Act 1948 have been afforded to persons having residence in the Borough
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