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Removal took place to the Part III accommodation after
previous agreement with the hospital and welfare authority as to
the exact type of accommodation needed. A subsequent followup
visit was paid to Mrs. I. and it was obvious to all concerned that
an extension of the order would be necessary and this was granted
for a further three months in May, 1951. When seen at Langthorne
Hospital it was at once apparent that the care and attention bestowed
had transferred her from a dirty and neglected old woman into
a rather attractive old lady who would, however, need permanent
care in an institution.
Two further cases have been dealt with during the current
year, and the experience of all these cases stresses the need for
a Local Authority to delegate its powers in order to avoid delay
in making application to the Court, for agreement as between the
hospital and the Part III Authority as to the type of accommodation
needed, and for the definite reservation of a bed before
the Court hearing, and finally, the co-operation of the family doctor
and if possible, the written concurrence of the nearest relative.
There is also need for the restoration of authority similar to
that formerly possessed by the Relieving Officer to require the
immediate admission to hospital of the aged and chronic sick poor
who need hospital treatment and who are willing to accept such
treatment.
For those who will not accept such treatment there only
remains the rather cumbersome procedure of Section 47.
It is understood that a Bill has been introduced in the House
of Commons designed to amend the procedure for urgent
cases under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948,
with a view to avoiding the present delays.]
4. Funeral Arrangements.—Arrangements were made in
regard to the burials of three persons.
5. Mortuary Provision, etc.—A Coroner's Court, mortuary
(with special provision for infectious disease cases) and a postmortem
room is provided by your Council at Queen's Road
Cemetery.
The Borough Engineer and Surveyor reports that the number
of Inquests and post-mortems were as follows:—
Inquests only 57
Post-Mortems only 253
Post-Mortems and Inquests 47
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