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17
The percentage of Walthamstow residents admitted to Thorpe
Coombe prior to the appointed day was of the order of 98—99. In
1949 it fell to 88.4, in 1950 to 77, in 1951 to 64.1. In 1952 it rose
to 75 ; in 1953 it dropped again to 72%. During 1954 Walthamstow
admissions were 60.8%.
(d) Infectious Diseases.—Patients from Walthamstow are
mainly admitted to St. Ann's Hospital, Tottenham. No difficulties
have been noted.
7. Aged and Chronic Sick.
National Assistance Act, 1948 (Section 47).
Eight cases were under supervision during 1954 in regard to
possible action under this section and the first three of those
mentioned below were brought forward from 1953, i.e. :—
Case 1 (M).—Female, aged 84 years (Case 4/1953). This
patient was visited on several occasions by the Medical, Health
Visiting and Sanitary Staffs. Conditions remained reasonably
tolerable throughout 1954.
Case 2 (C).—Male, aged 83 years (Case 5/1953). This
patient was persuaded to enter hospital voluntarily in November,
1953 and was discharged after about three weeks' treatment. At
the end of January, 1954, the family doctor reported that he was
in a shocking condition and that he refused hospital admission.
The patient was visited several times in order to try to persuade
him to enter hospital voluntarily : this was consistently refused.
The family doctor declined to accept part responsibility for a
forcible removal in the event of a Compulsory Order being
obtained and domestic help was, therefore, continued. Death
occurred in hospital in August, admission being ' voluntary \
Case 3 (Q).—Male, aged 77 years and the owner-occupier
of a modern house. He was first reported by the Home Nurse
in December, 1953. The patient was apt to turn on taps and to
pile fuel on the fire. The family doctor had unsuccessfully tried
to persuade him to enter an institution through the Social Welfare
Officer. Domestic help was arranged and was continued since the
Psychiatrist would not certify the patient as suitable to enter a
mental hospital. The patient was cared for by a single daughter
whose doctor stated she was in danger of a nervous breakdown
and she threatened to leave the home, in which case the patient
would be living alone. He was visited but refused to enter
hospital or an institution. Later the Police were called in to an
imaginary burglary. The patient was then seen and certified by
the Psychiatrist and removed to a mental hospital.