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14
Noise nuisance
The Borough Council deal with noise nuisances under the Noise Abatement Act, 1960, which
repealed the noise nuisance sections of the Middlesex County Council Act, 1944. It provides that noise and
vibration which are a nuisance are offences under the Act. It is no longer necessary for a doctor to have
to decide whether there is danger or injury to health.
Public health inspectors carried out observations at all times of the day and night to determine
whether complaints of noise nuisances were justified or not. 29 complaints were received during the year, of
which 14 did not constitute a nuisance within the meaning of the Act. Ten were repeated complaints and
five were found to be nuisances. These were the subject of informal action and after consultation with the
firms concerned the nuisances were abated.
The noises objected to by complainants were wide and varied and included those from boiler
chimneys, lorry engines, factory processes, panel-beating, steam-crane, power-sewing machines in domestic
dwellings, unloading of milk churns and crates, inconsiderate neighbours and loud-speakers.
CARE OF THE AGED
As the proportion of old people in the community increases it becomes more urgent and necessary
to extend our medical and welfare services to care adequately for them.
Most old people are living alone but they can manage to look after themselves in spite of their
deficiencies in money, suitable living accommodation and general amenities. Some require help to keep them
comfortable and happy in their own homes, while a small minority cannot be adequately cared for except in
a hospital or old people's home. The local health authority provides home nurses, home helps, and health
visitors, who investigate the needs of the old people and arrange for the necessary services to be given.
An experimental old people's clinic was opened at Pound Lane in February, 1961 and moved to
Neasden Clinic in June, 1961, when it was held at the same time as a chiropody clinic. This clinic was established
to give advice to old people on problems of physical and mental health.
47 sessions were held during the year; 76 old people were seen, making 175 attendances. The
majority are referred by health visitors or the Old People's Welfare Organiser. Advice is mainly given on
social matters and a report is sent to the family doctor. Defects including arthritis, bronchitis, varicose
veins, hernia, obesity and unsuitable false teeth or glasses are usually referred to the family doctor for treatment.
Good relationships have been maintained with family doctors who referred 2 old people for the
advice of a geriatrician. Old people who fail to keep an appointment are visited to see if there has been any
deterioration in their condition. Occupational therapy has also been arranged for 3 old people at home and
5 appliances have been provided for the handicapped. 7 old people have been referred to the National
Assistance Board for special allowances and free transport to and from the clinic was arranged for 17.
Advice is given on diet and where necessary a Luncheon Club or 'Meals-on-Wheels' are arranged.
Malnutrition is a serious problem and 20 persons could have benefited from the supply of protein concentrates
and vitamin supplements, free or at reduced prices. Unsuitable accommodation is a common cause
of complaint.
30 old people were suffering from emotional difficulties and were referred to clubs and other organisations.
The Old People's Clinic fills a need in helping the elderly to live happy and independent lives. The
friendly, leisurely atmosphere of the clinic makes them very willing to accept help on health and welfare
problems.
Generally speaking, it is now easier to obtain admission for an aged patient, and the Geriartric
Physician and his almoner work in close co-operation with the local health and district authorities. However,
there is still a great need for more hospital accommodation.
Compulsory powers for removing old people to a hospital or hostel are only used when absolutely
necessary and then only after all other possibilities have been fully explored.
Two cases were removed under the National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 1951.
Miss E.B., aged 77 years, was bed-ridden, doubly incontinent and suffering from chronic arthritis,
myocarditis, general atrophic condition of the muscles and bed sores. She was being looked after by her
sister, Miss R.B., who was feeble minded and deaf. They occupied three dingy rooms. The condition of
both sisters had been slowly deteriorating and finally Miss R.B. was unable to give adequate care to her sister
who was sometimes left lying in a soiled bed without food and drink. Because Miss R.B. frequently refused
to open the door, the home help and home nurse were unable to make regular visits, and the soiled bed
linen could not be collected regularly. An order under the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, was
obtained from a Justice of the Peace on the 30th October, and Miss E.B. was removed to the Central
Middlesex Hospital the same day. At the same time her sister was removed to Shenley Hospital by the Duly
Authorised Officer.
Mrs. J.Y., aged 80 years, was bed-ridden and suffering from chronic polyarthritis and senility. She
lived alone in one room of a very large house. Her only visitor was a home help who visited for two hours
daily and prepared sandwiches and a hot drink. Her condition had been slowly deteriorating and she refused
to have medical attention, meals-on-wheels and other services. Her clothing and bedding were filthy and
she refused to have them changed. An order under the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951
was obtained from a Justice of the Peace on the 6th November and she was removed to the Central Middlesex
Hospital the next day.