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48
sent to the hospital authorities. Conversely, reports are sent to
the Health Department in cases where hospital patients are considered
fit to be discharged to their homes. In these ways the hospital
staff is better able to determine the urgency of a particular case
and by an understanding of the home circumstances give assurance
in some cases that early discharge from hospital may be effected and
so improve the "turnover" of beds. It is satisfying to record that
the co-operation of the two bodies is proving most successful.
National Assistance Act, 1948. Section 47.
It is a matter of regret that we continue to find cases which
require action to be taken under the provisions of this Act, The
following are example of cases dealt with:-
(1) A complaint was received concerning the condition of an upstairs
flat. Upon investigation it was discovered that the owneran
aged lady-lived on the ground floor. She lived in conditions
of utter squallor, and hardly moved out of the kitchen
-mentally, however, she was reasonably alert Efforts were
made topersuade her to clean up, and offers of home help were
made. A suitable period of time was given before further
visits were made, but no improvement took place. It was then
discovered that she had sold the house and moved into another
room on the ground floor Again efforts were made, without
avail, to get her conditions improved Finally an application
was made to the Magistrates Court for her removal. The removal
duly took place, and the lady has subsequently been visited in the
residential home. She is happy and well cared for, and has,
what she most desired, warmth, food, and company.
(2) A telephone message was received from a local doctor stating
that he had a patient who refused to go into hospital. He
requested assistance from the departments. A visit revealed
that an old lady living in an upstairs flat, with her daughter,
aged 54, had been confined to her bed for some days. The
daughter was mentally deficient, and the downstairs tenant informed
us that "neither had eaten anything for days." It was
evident after a somewhat incoherent conversation with the old
lady that she refused to go into hospital on account of her
daughter. Relatives were contacted, and in the meantime application
was made to the court. The relatives undertook to
care for the daughter, and the court made an order. At the
request of the department, the Doctor who requested assistance,
was present when the removal took place and the old lady taken