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NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Under Section 47 of this Act, power is given to the Councils
of County Boroughs and County Districts to apply to a Court of
Summary Jurisdiction for an Order for removal and detention, in a
suitable hospital or other place, of persons who
(a) are suffering from grave chronic disease, or, being aged, infirm
or physically incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions ;
and
(b) are unable to devote to themselves, and are not receiving
from other persons, proper care and attention.
During 1948, action under this Section was taken by the Wimbledon
Borough Council on one occasion, and the patient was removed
to hospital on an Order made by the local court. This Order
was extended during 1949, and the patient was still in hospital at
the end of the year.
During 1949 five other cases were brought to the attention of
the Public Health Department where it was felt that action under
Section 47 might be necessary. In one of these cases there was found
to be no justification for such action. In the other four cases beds
were obtained for the patients in suitable hospitals or homes, and they
all ultimately agreed to removal.
In dealing with these old people the District Nursing Association
and the Home Help Service have rendered invaluable assistance.
MASS RADIOGRAPHY.
By arrangement with the South-West Metropolitan Regional
Hospital Board, the Surrey Mass Radiography Unit was stationed
in Wimbledon from 21st March to 4th April, 1949.
This X-ray Unit offered facilities for free chest x-ray to all
persons over the age of 14 years. Special appointments were
available for business houses, associations, schools, etc., and wide
publicity was given beforehand.
I am indebted to the Secretary of the Mass Radiography Unit
for the following particulars of the persons who attended for
examination.