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11.
CANCER.
The deaths from cancer in the borough during the year numbered 78 as
compared with 114 in 1960.
COMPULSORY REMOVAL OF AGED AND INFIRM PERSONS.
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council are
empowered to apply to the Court for an Order for the removal to hospital or
other institution of a person who is aged, infirm or physically incapacitated,
and who is living in insanitary conditions and "unable to devote to himself,
and is not receiving from other persons proper care and attention".
In addition, during 1951, the National Assistance (Amendment) Act came
into force. Under this Act, on certification by the Medical Officer of Health
and another practitioner, emergency removals of such people for periods not
exceeding three weeks may be enforced by the Courts.
No action under this Section was necessary during the year.
BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Borough Council
is responsible for arranging for the burial or cremation of any person who has
died or been found dead in their area, and where no other suitable arrangements
for burial have been made or are being made. During the year 4 burials were
carried out.
The Council have not yet carried out any cremations, as although it may
appear at the time of death that there are no surviving relatives, there is
always the remote possibility that at some future date, one may come forward
and start enquiries which might result in the Council's action being disputed.
III - INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES.
During the year 753 notifications of infectious disease were received but
in three cases diagnosis was revised after examination of the patients in
hospital.
SMALLPOX AND VACCINATION.
No case of smallpox occurred in the Borough during the year and no
vaccinations were performed by the Medical Officer of Health under the Public
Health (Smallpox Prevention) Regulations, 1917.