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9
An Order was applied for and obtained and she was transported
(unwillingly) to an Old Peoples Home.
Within a few days of her arrival there her general condition had
considerably improved and she announced that she was happy to stay.
She was well liked by the staff and the other residents and there is no
doubt that the use of compulsory powers in this case was completely
successful.
Case No. 2.
This was a man aged 70 who was suffering from chronic heart
disease so serious that he was unable to care properly for himself.
There seemed also to be some mental disturbance because he stubbornly
refused every type of help and insisted that as there was nothing
wrong with him there was no need for official interference.
He managed, and lived in, a clock and jewellery shop. The premises
were in a chaotic state of untidiness and filth. The patient remained
in the shop all night, either sitting in front of an open fire into which
he was liable to fall or lying behind the counter on an assortment of
rags. After all other efforts had failed a Court Order was obtained
and this unhappy man was admitted to a hospital bed. After 3 months
his physical condition had improved and he was transferred by Order
of the Court to an Old Peoples Home.
The Order was extended from time to time on application by the
Council and appeals by the patient were resisted, since his health was
such that it was impossible to allow him to return to the original conditions.
He was most unhappy in both Hospital and Home, and he
died on the 25th January, 1957 shortly after his last appeal had been
rejected.
While this case had not the happy ending of the first one, there
can be no doubt that compulsory action was correctly taken. He not
only created insanitary conditions but owing to his liability to "heart
attacks" there was a real danger of fire. He was thus a danger to
himself and to the tenants of the flat above him.
Provision of Health Services in the Area.
Section B outlines the Health Services provided by the Authorities
concerned. They are well developed, actively used, and generally
cover the requirements of the residents.
The chief need is for an adequately sized permanent clinic at Ham.
The Surrey County Council have agreed in principal to the provision