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12
FATAL ACCIDENTS
During the year under review there were 9 fatal home accidents
to Enfield residents being 4 more than the previous year. All
except one of these accidents occurred amongst elderly people,
4 being over 80 years of age and 3 between 70 and 80 years of age.
The precipitating cause of death in 8 cases was a fall leading in
most instances to fractured bones followed usually by lung complications,
and the remaining case was a child aged 15 months
who was accidentally suffocated whilst in her cot.
The number of fatal Road Accidents to Enfield residents
during the year was 14 which was an increase of 2 on the previous
year.
Unfortunately there were also 8 (6 male and 2 female) cases of
suicide, 3 of which were in the 25-45 years age group, 4 aged between
45 and 65 years and one aged 70 years of age.
It is disquieting to note the sum total of human misery recorded
in these paragraphs and to ponder over the fact that so much
could and should be prevented.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACTS, 1948 AND 1951.
No action was necessary during the year under these Acts.
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. Compulsory removal
in the interests of the old person is rarely enforced, as
persuasion usually succeeds in the end.