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 1962
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]
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H
II. GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
AGED PERSONS WELFARE
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 a Court of Summary Jurisdiction for an Order for
the removal to a hospital or institution of any aged, infirm or physically
incapacitated person living in insanitary conditions and who is in
need of care and attention.
During the year, it was necessary to apply for five Removal Orders and one Extension Order under this enactment in respect of the following persons:-
| Age. | Removed to. | Remarks. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miss R.S. | 75 | Hospital | Order for 3 weeks. Extension Order for transfer to Institution (3 months). (Still away). |
| Mr. C.M. | 79 | Institution | Order for 6 weeks. (Still away). |
| Mrs. A.L. | 80 | Institution | Order for 6 weeks. (Still away). |
| Mrs. A.P. | 80 | Hospital | Order for 3 weeks. (Died). |
| Mrs. J.C. | 78 | Hospital | Order for 3 weeks. (Died). |
In addition to those removed under Magistrate's Orders, admission
to a hospital or institution was obtained for 18 other persons.
Two women officers, one a State Registered Nurse and certificated
Health Visitor, are employed for visiting aged persons in the Borough,
and 3,252 visits were made by these officers during the year.
A register of all old persons visited is kept in the Department.
Amendments made to the Register during the year are as follows
Number on Register at 1st January, 1962 2,131
Additions during the year 409
Removals during the year 369
Number on Register at 31st December, 1962 2,171
The Department continued operating its Laundry service (begun in
1951) for the chronic sick who are unable by reason of ill-health,
senility, etc. to keep their personal laundry and bed linen in a clean
condition. During the year, 343 parcels of laundry were dealt with.