London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Fulham 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]
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28
OLD PEOPLE'S LAUNDRY
(Section 122 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936)
SERVICE FOR INCONTINENT PERSONS
This scheme which provides for the cleansing of linen and bedding of aged, infirm and
incontinent persons has now been in operation for over ten years. It is of very great benefit, both
to the persons themselves and to the relatives or other persons who are looking after them. The
work is carried out at the Disinfecting Station where modern equipment enables the staff to deal
quickly and efficiently with the work.
By arrangement with Chelsea Borough Council the laundry of Chelsea old people is dealt
with at the Station. During the year 6,170 lbs (dry weight) of laundry was cleansed.
The following 29,770 articles of Fulham residents were cleansed during the year:-
| Sheets | 10,552 |
| Pillow Cases | 1,982 |
| Towels | 4,123 |
| Underwear | 9,045 |
| Mattress Covers | 351 |
| 'Pieces' | 2,957 |
| Blankets | 760 |
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948,
and
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE (AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951
Visiting of old people whose circumstances require assessment under the above Acts is
carried out by the Public Health Department.
No compulsory removals were found necessary under either Act.
DEPARTMENTAL RECORDS OF OLD PEOPLE
It is estimated that there must be about 11,000 persons over 65 years of age in Fulham.
Fortunately, the majority are able to look after themselves, or have friends or relatives to look
after them.
The details of old persons as they become known are recorded in the Department and the number, although fluctuating is generally on the increase:-
| Number of new cases investigated in 1963 | 665 |
| Number of above recorded for supervision | 596 |
| Number of deaths recorded in 1963 | 82 |
| Number of old people admitted to Hospitals, Homes and Institutions permanently | 42 |
| Number left District | 4 |
| Hospital liaison visits | 47 |
| Re-visits | 1,241 |
| Total number of cases under supervision at end of year | 721 |
| Total number of cases recorded in Department | 2,613 |