View report page

37.
National Assistance Act, 1948.
(a) Section 47: Care of Aged and Chronic Sick. For the first
time since the Act came into force, statutory action was taken to
detain in suitable accommodation a person who was aged and living
in very insanitary conditions.
Following the initial court order for detention up to a
period of three months, no further court proceedings became
necessary as the person concerned agreed voluntarily to remain
permanently in the accommodation provided.
Hospital accommodation, or accommodation in hostels for the
aged, was arranged for several aged and infirm persons. In a few
other instances the provision of a home help obviated the need for
hospital care.
(b) Section 50: In one case action was required under this
section, which requires the local authority to arrange for the
burial of persons for whom no arrangements have or are being made.
Medical Examinations
During the year 130 examinations were carried out by me in
respect of Chingford Council staff and 55 in respect of staff of
the Essex County Council.