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19
GENERAL SERVICES
M. T. FERNANDES, M.B., 3.S., D.P.H., D.I.H., D.C.H., L.M.,
Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Housing
Allocation
Medical
Grounds
The Housing Medical Points scheme remains operational in the
Department and applications for rehousing continue to be referred to the
Medical Officer of Health when medical facts, supported by general
practitioner's certificate or hospital letter, are put forward for consideration.
Applications from Council tenants who wish to transfer to other
accommodation for medical reasons are also referred to the Medical
Officer of Health.
Although the Medical Officer of Health may recommend "points"
(5, 10 or 15), or outright rehousing on medical grounds, in many cases
in which the medical condition is considered not to be aggravated by
existing living conditions, no recommendation is made. During 1969,
269 cases were referred and recommendations were made in only 234
of such cases, the remaining ones being considered not to warrant
medical support for rehousing.
In a small number of cases the applicant may not satisfy the residential
qualifications or it may be considered that he is already
adequately housed. If, however, the medical conditions are being
seriously aggravated by the existing living conditions, the' Medical
Officer of Health may recommend that such a case be given special
consideration. This represents a very small percentage of the total
number df applications and shows that such a recommendation is made
only in cases of exceptional hardship.