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53
National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 47
During the year three cases were dealt with under this Act.
Mrs. E. o., aged 80. The department was informed by a
neighbour that this person appeared to be in need of care and
attention. A visit was paid to the premises in which she was
living alone in dirty and insanitary conditions.
She was obviously ill although she had not taken to her bed.
She had no private doctor and refused to call one or go into
hospital.
In view of the urgency of the matter, application was made to
a magistrate for an Order under this Act as amended by the
National Assistance Act, 1951, which enabled the old lady to be
removed without the usual seven days' notice to all concerned.
She was removed immediately, but died in hospital 24 hours
later with broncho-pneumonia.
Mrs, E. I. aged 77. This old lady had been known to the
department for many months and had been receiving attention from
the home nursing and home-help services.
Her condition gradually deteriorated and the services provided
were unable to cope with the insanitary conditions which
developed. Application was made to the Court for an Order for
removal to a Welfare Home. This was obtained and removal
effected. She died about a fortnight later.
Mrs. F. B. Aged 66. This old lady had been known to the
department and had in fact been admitted to hospital in 1951 and
1952 at the instigation of this department, Her living conditions
had always been of a low standard but temporary improvements
had been effected from time to time following visits by the
district sanitary inspector. Eventually however, the conditions
under which she was living became so bad that removal to a home
was the only effective method of dealing with her. An Order for
removal was obtained and she was taken to a home where she died
some five weeks later.
National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 50: Burials
During the year it was necessary to arrange eight burials
where deaths occurred and suitable arrangements for burial would
not otherwise have been made.