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Rooms, fixtures and furnishings are sprayed with formalin and
in suitable cases bedding and clothing are treated in the Council's
steam disinfector. Public Library books which have been exposed
to infection are rendered safe and returned to the Libraries.
Disinfestation.
The Department also carries out work to eradicate vermin in
premises. Rooms infected with bed bugs are treated with a solution
containing a quick acting insecticide together with D.D.T.
Bedding is subjected to steam under pressure, in order to destroy
eggs. etc. Advice is given to householders to assist them in dealing
with various other insect infestations.
Laundry for the Aged Sick.
In conjunction with the Old Peoples Welfare Committee and
the Sidcup and Swanley Hospital Management Committee, a service
is provided for the laundering of soiled bed linen from incontinent
persons, in cases where it is not suitable for cleaning at a commercial
laundry and where it cannot be dealt with in the patient's
home.
Although the facility has been available since 1954. surprisingly
little use has been made of it. However, towards the end of
the year it was possible to assist two suitable cases and there is
evidence that the scheme is becoming better known, amongst
General Practitioners and social workers.
HOSPITAL SERVICES.
Cray Valley Hospital.—Provides a Hospital Service with the
following beds:—
10 Maternity
10 Medical
10 Surgical
2 " Section 5 "
3 " Section 4 "