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11.
COMPULSORY REMOVAL OF AGED AMD 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.
A woman aged 92, who was living in insanitary conditions, was incapable
of caring for herself, yet refused to go to hospital even after having a fall.
In her interests it was considered necessary to use powers under the Amendment
Act for compulsory removal and she was admitted to hospital.
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 1963 four
cases occurred where the Council had to arrange for burial.
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.
INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES.
During the year 740 notifications of infectious diseases were received
of which over 85% were in respect of measles.
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.