View report page

MEDICINAL BATHS AND TREATMENT CENTRE
General
This year it is pleasing to report that there was a drop in both the number of infested properties and in the
cases of scabies, although the latter is still remaining above the annual post-war average.
There were two serious disruptions to the working of the unit during the year. The first occurred in February
when the supply of electricity was either halted or reduced causing a loss of activity for considerable periods.
The second occasion was in September when supplies of steam and hot water were shut down for almost two
weeks owing to essential boiler repairs at Lime Grove baths. This was partially relieved by operating a
restricted laundry serivce for incontinent people at Fulham Baths. The neighbouring Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea also helped by making available facilities for personal cleansings and treatments,
whilst head treatments were carried out at the Scotts Road centre by using hot water from an immersion
heater.
During the period from January 1966-July 1972, evening staff were working to wash fouled laundry and
linen from Council establishments, which relieved the heavy pressure of work the following day. In the
summer it was decided to purchase 601b. capacity washers because these would not only cope with the present
heavy demands but would also allow for the future growth of the service.
Two new 251b. hydro-extractors were also of great benefit and there is now no hold-up of articles which
have passed through the washing machines. It is anticipated that a general purpose ironing machine will be
installed in 1973 which should increase productivity even further.
Another useful addition to the Centre was the hoist erected in one of the bathrooms to aid the staff in
lowering certain disabled patients into the water.
In September a start was made to redecorate the area around the disinfector and one of the bathrooms on
which a damp resistant paint was experimentally used.
Nursing and health visiting students, doctors and public health inspectors have been some of the visitors to
view the work of the Scotts Road Centre during the year.
CLEANSING AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS
1. Scabies
As mentioned earlier, this has been the first year since 1964 to show a fall in attendance for the treatment of
scabies, with 451 people treated as against 620 cases in 1971.
2. Impetigo
This infection is commonly associated with head lice and five individuals were treated in 1972, the first cases
at the Centre since 1968.
3. Flea Infestation
Two people were treated for this condition.
4. Pediculosis
It was agreed that children could be sent to Scotts Road for head cleansings if the journey obviated the
crossing of busy road junctions. This may considerably increase the number of cleansings at the Centre, but
should make little difference in the overall total within Hammersmith. The attendances for this school group
were 50% up on the 1971 figures, adult attendance increased by 39% whilst the number of infants seen was
quadrupled. The considerable fall in the number of cleansings for body lice is mostly due to the closing of a
large hostel which provided inexpensive accommodation in the locality.

B41