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55
[1919
lousiness and itch, dated February 27th, 1919, in which they stated that
following on complaints of the increased prevalence of lousiness and itch, and
the wider realization of the part played by lice in the spread of fevers, inquiries
have been made by sanitary authorities about the measures to be taken against
the infestation by these parasites.
As an outcome of this communication from the Board, I drew the
attention of the Public Health Committee to the fact that some time previously
I had advised the Committee to erect a proper cleansing station,
because the shelter house (which was erected for the housing of persons in
whose homes infectious disease had occurred while their homes were being
disinfected), was being used for the purpose of cleansing verminous children.
As a result of my report, the Committee thought it might be well for me to
view the baths at the Workhouse and ascertain if they could be utilised for
the bathing of the children and verminous persons.
On the 12th May I reported to the Committee that I had seen Mr. Davey,
the Clerk to the Guardians, and that the Master had shown me the baths, near
the gateway of the Receiving House, through which the poor pass on entering
the house, and where he or she receives a bath. There are separate baths for
men and women, and as they are very dark require artificial light during the
daytime; the water closets open immediately from them, and I came to the
conclusion that they were not baths such as respectable men and women should
be required to use, and that I was certain they would be little used by the
general public. I also pointed out that there was an urgency for these baths, for
it had gone abroad that the Council were providing them. I added that I was
strongly of opinion that the Council should provide their own baths for this
special purpose in the disinfecting station grounds, apart from which baths
were required for the bathing of school children, especially as the present
temporary arrangement was likely at any time to be upset through the outbreak
of such a disease as small pox, when every apartment of the shelter
house would be required.
I am,
Your faithful Servant,
A. E. HARRIS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Previously on the 19th May, the Medical Officer of Health reviewed the circumstances
of the baths, and pointed out that the Council is expected to provide
baths for verminous persons who may apply for them, that they are also under
an agreement with the London County Council to provide accommodation for
the bathing of at least 30 school children per diem ; and that it is their duty
to provide accommodation for the bathing of midwives who have been in
attendance on cases of puerperal fever or any other fever into which they may