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NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 (Section 47).
Action was taken in two cases in accordance with procedure
permitted by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951.
In both instances a letter was obtained from a hospital stating
that a bed was available. This, and the necessary medical certificates
were shown to a Justice of the Peace, who was then taken
to see the case. His signature to the order being obtained forthwith,
a waiting ambulance was able to remove the patient to
hospital.
The first case, a man age 68, had for many years lived like a
hermit, in a shed which had been condemned as unfit for habitation.
There was no furniture and he lay on sacking, covered with
an old coat, filthy, verminous and so ill that he was unable to get
up. Nevertheless, he resolutely refused assistance or removal to
hospital, and the order was essential. He died 48 hours later,
the cause of death being broncho-pneumonia.
The second case was a woman of 84 living alone, without
friends and relatives, who collapsed on various occasions to be
found by a neighbour lying on the floor. Her room was filled
with furniture, papers and other belongings, none of which the
Home Help was allowed to move. Finally, the neighbour refused
further attention and when she again collapsed an order was
obtained for her removal to hospital. It was, in fact, not required,
as she finally raised no objection, when the ambulance crew effected
the removal. She died suddenly from heart failure 27 days after
admission to hospital.
CREMATION ACT, 1902
During the year 1,967 Certificates were completed in the
Department in the capacity of Medical Referee under the above
Act. In one case of sudden death a post-mortem was carried out.
Death was due to natural causes.
CROYDON AIRPORT—HEALTH CONTROL
With the partial withdrawal of Immigration Officers, the work
formerly performed by the Medical Receptionists was placed upon
the Customs Officers. The system of continuous "on call"
manning by Medical Officers has continued. One medical
examination was carried out under the Aliens Order. Other
queries arose regarding passengers who were ill or who died
whilst travelling. No cases of suspected infectious diseases were
encountered.