London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Kensington 1936

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]

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Summary.—During 1936 a total of 127,591 swimmers used the swimming baths.
On six occasions the water in each bath in use was subjected to bacteriological examination,
a total of 26 samples being taken.
Bacteriological examination showed all the samples to be free from B. coli and streptococci
and the total cell-counts of organisms found were at a satisfactorily low level.
Conclusions.—The water of the swimming baths at the Kensington public baths was found
to be satisfactory from the bacteriological point of view, and on all occasions was free from pathogenic
organisms.
Baths and Washhouses.
There are thirteen men's and seven women's first-class slipper baths, 34 men's and 20 women's
second-class slipper baths, and six special warm baths.
During 1936 the total number of persons using the slipper baths was 80,272.

The total numbers of bathers using the swimming baths and slipper baths in the last five years are shown in the following table:—

Year.Bathers.
1932232,384
1933235,860
1934248,606
1935218,449
1936207.863

In the washhouse or laundry department there were 88 washtubs in use in 1936.

The numbers of women using the washtubs in the last five years are shown in the following table:—

Year.Washers.
193289,766
193382,715
193479,686
193573,843
193665,537

There are eight washing machines, and the number of women who used these in 1936 was
16,394.
Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920-33.
Two applications were made to the council in 1936 for a certificate of fitness of habitation
under these acts. One was granted but in the second case it was found that the premises were
in a reasonable state of repair and the public health committee decided that a letter should be
sent to the applicant to this effect.
Canal Boats Acts, 1877 and 1884.
The Kensington borough council are vested with authority to enforce the Canal Boats Acts
and Regulations on all boats entering the portion of the Grand Junction canal which is within
the boundaries of the borough.
During 1936, the canal-boats inspector made seven inspections. Four notices were served in
respect of the sanitary condition of the boats.
No births or deaths occurred on boats whilst lying at the wharves in Kensington, and no cases
of infectious disease were reported.
Removal of Aged, Infirm or Physically Incapacitated Persons.
Section 224 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, confers on local authorities the same
powers regarding aged and infirm persons as they had previously under section 28 of the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1928. The borough council can make application to the
Courts for an order to remove to a hospital, infirmary, institution or other similar place, aged, infirm
and physically incapacitated persons living under insanitary conditions.
During the year two cases were dealt with. The first was that of an old woman aged 74, who
lived alone in two rooms. She was found to be dirty and neglected, and her rooms, bedding and
furniture were exceedingly verminous. She was removed to St. Mary Abbots Hospital (Institution)
for a period of three months.
The second case was a woman of 60 years of age, who occupied a small back room. She was
found to be dirty, neglected and suffering from chronic alcoholism; her rooms, bedding
and furniture were found to be exceedingly verminous. In this case also an order was obtained
for her removal to St. Mary Abbots Hospital (Institution).