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35
At the beginning of the year 27 establishments were licensed and at
the end of the year the number licensed was 26, there being one deletion
from the list. The deletion was due to the relinquishing of the practice.
Two members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists were in
practice at the beginning and the end of the year.
(G) PROVISION FOR SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS
Middlesex County Council made available services for certain
special classes of persons, including:
(a) deprived children;
(b) those suffering from mental illness and mental subnormality;
(c) those in need of care and attention.
These services were controlled centrally and were not delegated to
a local Committee. However, the services for children, mental health
and welfare will come under the jurisdiction of the new Borough on the
1st April, 1965. Much preparatory work was carried out during 1964,
in order that the transfer of responsibility would be smooth and effected,
if possible, with no interruption in the services.
National Assistance Act, 1948—Section 47.
Section 47 of the Act enables the Court on the application of the
Medical Officer of Health to grant an order for the removal of a person
to a Welfare Home or Hospital. This Section can be invoked for the
compulsory removal of a person who (a) is suffering from grave chronic
disease or being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated, is living in
insanitary conditions, and (b) is unable to devote to himself and is not
receiving from others proper care and attention.
It was not found necessary to take action under this Section of the
Act during the year.
The Aged
The problems of looking after the aged person within the community
never seem to grow less. All services, statutory and voluntary,
are fully committed in supporting and helping this section of the
population. Many can cope quite well on their own but it is important
to spot the signs of deterioration quickly and so bring in the supporting
services at an early stage. This is why home visiting of the elderly is of
such importance. It should be regular and not just a casual visit now
and then. Apathy and loneliness are an old person's greatest enemies
and anything which combats these is to be encouraged. A simple regular
frendly chat probably does more good than all the welfare services put
together!
The voluntary and statutory services in the Borough continued their
efforts to help in the above problems through the provision of the
lowing services:-