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CERTIFICATION OF BLINDNESS AND PARTIAL SIGHT
Arrangements for examination and certification on Form B.D.8 of applicants
for admission to the Register of the Blind or the Register of the Partially Sighted
maintained by local authorities under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, are in accordance with the Council's approved scheme.
One hundred and thirteen reports on Form B.D.8 were received in respect of
cases dealt with under the scheme for the registration of blind and partially-sighted
persons. Towards the end of the year, notification was received from the Department
of Health and Social Security of a revision of Form B.D.8.
The Chief Welfare Officer arranges for social welfare officers to visit all
registered persons and follow up on the treatment and advice recommended by the
ophthalmic surgeons.
(See Statistical Table 30)
REMOVAL TO SUITABLE PREMISES OF PERSONS
IN NEED OF CARE AND ATTENTION
Provision is made under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, as
amended by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, for securing the
necessary care and attention in a suitable hospital or other place (e.g. residential
accommodation provided under Part III of the Act) for persons who :
(a) are suffering from grave chronic disease or, being aged, infirm or physically
incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions; and
(b) are unable to devote to themselves, and are not receiving from other
persons, proper care and attention.
The social welfare officers of both the health and welfare departments direct
their efforts towards preventing such circumstances ever arising. Health visitors
and home nurses play an important part in this work. Nevertheless, cases do arise
from time to time, but seldom is it necessary to invoke these compulsory powers.
Usually supportive home care provided by the two departments enables the
person to remain at home. In those cases where admission is imperative, the officers
generally manage to persuade the person to agree to this course, and I am pleased
to report that no action under the above legislation was necessary during the year.
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