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There were twenty-five premature births, belonging to this
district. Twenty-one of these survived for over 28 days and four
died within 7 days of birth. The four deaths occurred in hospital.
The Comparative Statistics are interesting in that the rates in
Richmond can be compared with the rest of the country.
That not a single case of typhoid or paratyphoid fever or
diphtheria occurred is most satisfactory. On the other hand Richmond
had rather a heavy share of cases of poliomyelitis. Apart from this
the statistics show that the health of the people compares very
favourably with other districts.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Section 47—Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care
and attention.
No action was taken by the Council under this Section of the
Act, although at the end of the year it became apparent that action
might be required early in the New Year. This was the case of an
old lady living alone who was admitted to hospital suffering from
burns. She had set fire to her bedroom, and it was felt that it would
be quite unsafe to allow her to return home.
After having notice served upon her she agreed to go voluntarily
into Kingsmead, Old People's Home. After some weeks she settled
down happily and eventually relinquished the tenancy of her home.
There is a considerable number of old people living alone, improperly
cared for, in the district. They form a most disturbing and
difficult problem. A great deal is done for them by the Divisional
Welfare Officer and every possible help is given through the domiciliary
services.
Most of these old people have a very strong sense of independence
and object strongly to any suggestion that they should enter a Home.
Apart from this there is a considerable shortage of suitable
accommodation.
For these reasons the policy generally is to help these old people
as much as possible in their own homes and only when there is danger
to the life or health of the individual or those living in the same
house to take action under Section 47. In a number of cases these
conditions were present but, after some persuasion, the old people
agreed to go voluntarily into suitable residential accommodation.