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13
My first application under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, was made in respect of an elderly lady living under unfortunate
circumstances. The Court duly ordered her removal to St. George's
Hospital, Hornchurch.
A number of border line instances were brought to my notice but, as
previously, the combination of various factors enabled a solution to be
found which obviated statutory action. Although Section 47 - already
noted - does not embrace exclusively the aged, it clearly concerns them
in large measure and action under it is one for the local Medical Officer
of Health.
The part which the environmental hygienist, i. e. the Medical Officer
of Health and staff of a Sanitary Authority can and does play in safeguarding
the welfare of the aged is, I believe, generaUy and seriously
overlooked. It certainly receives no emphasis in many of the articles
dealing with the subject. I do not, therefore, apologise for stating once
again that the Public Health-Inspector is a real and important member
of the team dealing with the problem of the aged and by no means the
least successful member of that team.
In any situation calling for team work (as does geriatrics) it is unjustifiable
and unprofitable to analyse the contribution made by each
member but equally it is remiss if the contribution of each member is
not recognised.
Home Safety.
As from 1st January, 1962, matters of Home Safety will be dealt with
through the Sub-Committee of the Public Health Committee. Full use
will be made of the voluntary endeavour which was present on the original
Home Safety Committee.
Laundry Service for the Incontinent - Section 84. Public Health Act.
1936.
Advantage is taken of the above Section legally to provide this type of
service.
Increasing use is made of it (a fuller note was made last year) and it
is invaluable to the relatively few but deserving families who benefit by
its operation.
Since the service was commenced the number of cases partaking was
32. The number of garments treated during the year was 4, 499. The
cost of the service during the year was approximately £288.