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3. DISINFECTION. The policy of the Committee in relation
to disinfection has been rather an empirical one. The Department has
for many years past disinfected on release from quarantine cases of
infectious disease where contamination of the environment is likely.
The more serious notifiable infectious diseases form the main examples
in this group.
Disinfection has been accomplished by fumigation of the room
in which the patient has been nursed, removal of bedding and bedclothes
for steam disinfection, along with a complete and thorough
spring cleaning and airing of the sick-room. Whether this procedure
results in the death of microbes or no, we feel that it does have a
salutary effect in bringing home to the family their personal responsibility
for cleaning and airing the environment of the patient on
recovery.
It is generally conceded that following the most infectious or
contagious types of disease it is essential to undertake disinfection of
the sick environment or, indeed, destruction of all articles which have
come into close contact with the patient. Circumstances where this
has been necessary are rare as the diseases involved include such
conditions as Smallpox and other virus infections.
On occasions disinfection is requested by the relatives of a person
who has been sick with, or who has died from a complaint which
scientifically is not regarded as infectious, but none the less those in
contact do not feel disposed to use the premises or the articles which
have been in contact with the patient until such time as they have been
disinfected. There is a common phobia following a death from, for
instance, Cancer, and in these cases disinfection of the sick-room is
performed on repayment.
Additionally, there appears to be a substantial export of used
clothing by Wembley residents to relatives or friends in underprivileged
countries; many of these countries insist on the parcel being
accompanied by a certificate of disinfection. The work is undertaken
and the certificate is provided on repayment.
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