View report page

13
The outstanding points in these figures are the high proportion
of elderly females, 82 per cent, of the total, and the fact that no
children were involved.
One hears much more about Road accidents than accidents
in the Home, but this year, as last year, there were more fatal
accidents to Enfield residents in the home than on the streets,
11 fatal home accidents compared with 10 fatal road accidents.
In the case of road accidents, however, the proportion of males to
females involved was practically the opposite to that for home
accidents, and the average age was much lower.
The figures I have quoted indicate the continued need for
propaganda to impress on the public the need to take every possible
precaution to prevent accidents in the home, particularly where
the aged are concerned, as an accident resulting in a fall can so
frequently lead to fatal complications. It might not be inappropriate
to mention here the occurrence of 9 cases of suicide, seven
males and two females, ages ranging from 17 years to 74 years ;
the average age being 52 years. The method adopted in 6 cases
was coal gas poisoning, in two cases hanging and in one case jumping
in front of a train.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACTS, 1948 AND 1951.
No action was necessary during the year under these Acts with
regard to the removal to suitable premises of persons in need of
care and attention.
Such cases as were brought to the notice of the Health Department
were dealt with by the Medical Officer of Health in co-operation
with the Medical Practitioners, and the patients voluntarily
agreed to go to suitable institutions.
AMBULANCE FACILITIES
Under the National Health Service Act, 1946, the duty of
providing an Ambulance Service devolves upon the County Council,
and from the 5th July, 1948 the Middlesex County Council Fire and
Ambulance Service has been responsible for the Ambulance
Service previously controlled by the Health Department of the
Enfield Council.