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attention. He refused to go anywhere, refused to discuss his condition,
or to be examined, but said that he would be guided by his
own doctor. When his own doctor was approached, he dissociated
himself from this aspect of the case, and would not give more than
a vague opinion inclining more towards Institutional than Hospital
disposal. From our own observations, we would have thought
that hospital was indicated, but in the absence of definite information
from the patient's own doctor, the Area Welfare Officer was asked
to visit. He gave his opinion that the old gentleman was not suited
to institutional care.
A second visit was made. The gentleman refused to go anywhere,
and refused to be examined, but repeated that he would be guided
by his own doctor. Once again the doctor was asked for his cooperation,
so that he might arrange for the old gentleman to go
willingly to hospital, but he refused, saying that the Health Department
had to accept responsibility for this aspect of the case, and
that he would only attend his private patient for matters concerned
with illness.
In an attempt to clarify the position, the Health Department
requested the Town Clerk's legal advice as to whether, in order to
guide the court in specifying removal to institutional or hospital
accommodation, there were powers of compulsory examination
under the National Assistance Act, or any other Act. Legal advice
was received that no power of compulsory examination existed for
such a purpose.
A third visit was made. Conditions were as before, except that
the landlady wished to know what we had come for. She had obtained
another 5s. Od. per week from the old gentleman. The landlady
was happy, the old gentleman continued to be content with his lot.
The private doctor had not appeared. Although we were not happy
about the case, there was little further that could be done at the
time.
Case No. 3.
An old lady's son sent us a well-turned letter. He was working,
he was also doing the housework and the shopping. There was nobody
else to help in the home. Upon calling, we were assailed at the door
by a young and voluble relative who lived but a few doors away.
She stated that it was impossible for her to do anything to help the
old lady, but her reasons were not impressive. Having sustained a
barrage of words, eventually we were admitted to the old lady.