View report page

Disinfestation
There was a decrease in the number of treatments given in this section, 1,537 rooms being dealt with as
opposed to 1,866 in 1971. Infestation with fleas and bed bugs continues to be the largest problem in this area.

In addition, help was rendered in 109 complaints of wasps, and 11 visits paid to dry articles which had been
subjected to water damage.
Disinfection
This is mostly confined to dealing with requests following terminal non-infective illness. Spraying is usually
carried out to reassure what is generally a distressed relative. A total of 52 visits in respect of 118 rooms were
made, and 16 visits made in respect of 26 rooms where there had been possible infection.
Assisted Bathing
This bathing service is for the benefit of the old and infirm usually at the request of social workers or general
practitioners. The patients are collected and returned to their homes by Borough transport. Because it is such a
time-consuming service it has to be restricted but those patients who receive it are very appreciative. A total of
18 patients with an average age of 68.8 years received 465 baths. The infirmities included hemiplegia, arthritis,
multiple sclerosis and poliomyelitis. The Station Superintendent who is a State Registered Nurse, keeps a
strict watch on these patients during bathing.
The Health Laundry
In trying to cope with the most pressing needs of the present demand, the working conditions continue to be
hampered by lack of space. Requests have had to be restricted and priority is given to acute cases who are often
waiting for a hospital bed. In addition, the number of articles laundered for the Old Peoples' Homes has risen
with the increase of incontinent persons resident in the Homes. No commercial laundry would provide such a
regular twice weekly service to launder fouled linen, including its collection and delivery, as Scotts Road is
able to do and, in future, with larger accommodation it is hoped to provide an even better service.
Incontinence Pads and Dressings
The provision of disposable paper pads and sheets is a logical extension of a laundry service for incontinent
people, and collection and incineration of these substances has become an accepted part of the work of the
Centre. As fewer homes now have open fires, the burning of this fouled material is not always possible, and no
doubt the number of collections made will increase in future. Collections are usually made three times a week
from the Old Peoples' Homes and twice a week from other cases, special arrangements being made regarding
acute cases and home dialysis. In 1971 300 collections were made, whilst in 1972 the total exceeded 1200.

B42