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Health Propaganda. In addition to the normal health education work of
the Council's visiting and clinic staffs and Press publicity, some 1,000 copies of
the journal Better Health were distributed each month during the year. A series
of posters provided by the Central Council for Health Education were displayed,
and the subjects covered were Influenza, Tuberculosis, Sleep, Home Safety, Pood,
and Household Pests.
Welfare of Aged and Infirm Persons. The welfare of elderly and infirm
persons in the Borough continued to occupy the attention of the Borough Council.
An average of 50 visits per week were made by Inspectors of this department to
the homes of these people. Shortage of hospital beds has increased the difficulties
experienced by old people. The home help service, however, has been able to assist
greatly, but cannot be regarded as a solution of the problem.
The London County Council hope by March, 1950, to acquire or erect premises
in the Plumstead area, to provide additional accommodation for elderly and infirm
persons. A scheme prepared by the County Council also provides for temporary
accommodation for those in urgent need.
Since the 5th July, 1948, Section 47 of the National Assistance Act has been
the appropriate section dealing with the removal to suitable premises of aged
persons in need of care and attention. Section 224 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, which gave the Council similar powers, is now repealed. Often suitable
provision can be made for such persons without resort to the above section. Where
difficulty is experienced, and in the opinion of the Council removal is necessary in
the interests of the persons concerned, or the general public, the Council can apply
for an Order to a Court, requiring removal to suitable premises for a period, in the
first instance, of not more than three months. However, action under this section
is limited to those persons who are suffering from a grave chronic disease or, being
aged, infirm, or physically incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions.
Acting under the powers conferred by Section 31 of the National Assistance
Act, 1948, the Borough Council are now giving financial assistance to the Woolwich
Council of Social Service, who are operating the " Old People's Lunch Club " at
the Central Hall, Plumstead High Street.
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION
Complaints. 4,144 complaints of nuisance were received and investigated.
The necessary action was taken where defects or nuisances were discovered.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area. During the year, 26,246 inspections,
including re-inspections, were carried out by the Sanitary Inspectors. The nature
of these inspections is shown in Table No. 5, and details of nuisances abated are
given in Table No. 6. The number of intimation notices served as a result was
2,696, and the number of statutory notices, 930. In only 17 instances were legal
proceedings found to be necessary.