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7
Thirty-three cases of old people in need of care and attention
were investigated during the year. In only one case was it necessary
to take action under Section 47, as in the remaining cases the old
people either agreed to go into hospital or other arrangements were
made at home for their care.
The case in which action became imperative was one of an old
lady aged 69 living alone in her own house. There had been a tendency
for her over the years to hoard and not to dispose of rubbish
satisfactorily, and on several occasions the Council had taken action
to ensure that the premises were cleansed. On this occasion the
conditions were very insanitary, and in addition the owner herself
had deteriorated in health, and was in need of medical care. She
refused to have her own Doctor, and would not under any circumstances
agree to a medical examination.
As I considered that she was in urgent need of hospital care,
application was made to Court for an Order under Section 47,
National Assistance Act 1948. This was granted, and she was
removed to Grove Road Hospital, Richmond, for a period of three
months. At the end of this time she was fit to be discharged home,
very much improved in health. Her house had been cleaned in her
absence, and when she returned home regular visits were carried out
by the District Nurse and Home Help. She also agreed to register
with a Doctor, who now visits her at intervals.
Co-operation with Kingston Hospital remains good.
The Geriatrician who holds a joint appointment with the Hospital
Board and the County Council, co-operates very well with this Department,
and is always most helpful in arranging for admission of urgent
cases.
The County Welfare Department is always extremely co-operative
in arranging for admission of old people to other accommodation.
SECTION 'F' — PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER,
INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES
Generally
The incidence of infectious disease during the year was low; there
were no epidemics.
There were ten cases of Scarlet Fever notified during the year as
compared with five in 1957; all the cases were mild and were treated
at home, with two exceptions, who were admitted to hospital on
account of home conditions.