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13
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, 4 males
and 5 females, ages ranging from 26 years to 70 years ; the average
age being 48 years. The method adopted in six cases was coal
gas poisoning, one to gunshot wound of the head, and two to
barbiturate poisoning.
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 cooperation
either with the Medical Practitioners or Welfare Officer,
and the patients voluntarily agreed to go to Hospital or suitable
Institution. Most old people show a natural reluctance to leave
their homes, which sometimes consist of a single room in a dirty
and unhygienic state owing to their inability to look after the
premises. Some should not be living alone, and although we must
not be hasty to criticize, there appears to be in some cases a need
for the awakening of responsibility of the family to its aged members.
In some instances, where reluctance to leave their homes is
encountered, provision of Home Help and District Nurse Services
can be arranged and a careful watch on the situation maintained
by members of the Health Department Staff, and compulsory
removal in the interests of the old person is rarely enforced, as
persuasion usually succeeds in the end.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
The County Ambulance Service is operated in two distinct
branches, i.e., the Accident Branch and the Sick Removal Branch.
The Accident Service operates from Fire Stations and where
an ambulance is required for accident or emergency purposes,
the Emergency Exchange telephone facilities should be used,
whereby calls are routed to the nearest Fire Station.
The Sick Removal Service is housed locally in a newly-built
depot adjacent to Chase Farm Hospital, where calls are received
for both recumbent and sitting cases.