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12
FATAL ACCIDENTS.
During the year under review there were twelve fatal home
accidents to Enfield residents, this figure being three more than the
previous year.
All, except one of these accidents occurred amongst elderly
people, eight being over eighty years of age.
The precipitating cause of death in eight cases was a fall,
leading in most instances to fractured bones followed usually by
lung complications. Three other deaths were due to accidental
coal gas poisoning, and one due to burns through clothing becoming
ignited by an electric fire.
The number of fatal road accidents to Enfield residents was
nineteen, an increase of five on the previous year.
Unfortunately, there were also fourteen (four male and ten
female) cases of suicide, four of which were aged between 25 and
44 years, three aged between 45 and 64 years, four aged between
65 and 70 years, and two over 70 years. There was also a girl aged
17 years.
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
Home. 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.