London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Stepney 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]
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II. GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
WELFARE OF AGED PERSONS.
The Council is empowered by Section 47 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, as amended by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, to make
application to the Court for an Order for the removal to hospital or an
institution of aged, inflra or physically incapacitated persons who are living
in insanitary conditions and who are in need of care and attention.
During the year it was necessary to apply for three Removal Orders for the following persons who were aged, infirm and living in insanitary conditions and unable to devote to themselves, and not receiving from other persons, proper care and attention:-
| Person | Age | Removed to | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miss M.L. | 85 | Institution, | Emergency Order for 3 weeks. Still away. |
| Mrs. M.O. | 76 | Institution. | Emergency Order for 3 weeks. Still away. |
| Mrs, E.B, | 76 | Institution. | Order for 6 weeks. Still away. |
In addition to those persons removed under a Magistrate's Order,
admission to hospital or institution was gained for 19 other persons.
Two women officers, one of whom is a State Registered Nurse and
certificated Health Visitor, are employed for visiting aged persons in the
Borough, and 2,732 visits were made by these officers during the year.
A register of all old persons visited is kept in the Department.
Amendments in the register made during the year were as follows:-
Number on Register at 1st January, 1957 1,681
Additions during the year 170
Removals during the year 279
Number on Register at 31st December, 1957 1,572
The Council provides a service for disinfesting and cleansing bedlinen
and personal clothing under Section 122 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, some 357 parcels being dealt with during the year.
In order to prevent injury, or danger of injury,to health, Section 43
of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1953, operated by the
Borough Council, makes provision for the personal cleansing in their own
homes of aged persons who are verminous or otherwise in need of a bath.
780 baths were given to 60 old people during the year by the Borough
Council's Home Bathing Service.
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