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88
STAFF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
Nine hundred and fifty-eight examinations were made during
the year by the Medical Staff of the Department.
These examinations varied from assessment of fitness for sick
pay, for employment as drivers of mechanical vehicles, for employment
in the Water Undertaking, for employment in food handling,
for entry into the Superannuation Scheme, and for recommendations
as to retirement on pension, for permanent ill-health or
transfer to other duties.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 (Section 47).
No action was taken under this legislation. Cases which
arose were dealt with by appropriate combination of general practitioner,
nursing, Home Help and Sick Room Attendant Service,
and when requested, prompt and helpful assistance by the Local
Hospital Bed Bureau.
The main burden falls upon the Home Helps, and special
volunteers, who may have to work under most trying conditions,
are essential. Given such facilities, however, and acceptance of
the fact that it is not an offence for individuals who wish to die in
the somewhat squalid surroundings in which they may have elected
to live, Section 47 appears redundant.
CREMATION ACT, 1902.
During the year 1,517 certificates were completed in the
Department in the capaciy of Medical Referee under the above
Act.
CROYDON AIRPORT.
There was a considerable diminution of passenger arrivals
from abroad to an extent which made the employment of special
receptionists appear to the Ministry of Health to be unnecessary.
These duties were accordingly transferred to the permanent staff
of the Home Office who deal with immigration. These officers
now act also on behalf of the Health Department and no difficulties
arose as a result of such new arrangements.
I acknowledge the very helpful co-operation given by H.M.
Chief Immigration Officer in effecting the change-over and in the
carrying out of the work.