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

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Kensington 1937

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

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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 1937 the total number of persons using the slipper baths was 78,807.

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

Year.Bathers.
1933235,860
1934248,606
1935218,449
1936207,863
1937210,535

In the washhouses or laundry department there were 88 washtubs in use in 1937. The number of women using the washtubs in the last five years is as follows:—

Year.Washers.
193382,715
193479,686
193573,843
193665,537
193759,094

There are eight washing-machines, and the number of women who used these during the
year was 15,117.
Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920-33.
One application was made to the council in 1937 for a certificate of fitness of habitation under
these Acts, and this was granted.
Canal Boats.
The Kensington borough council are vested with authority to enforce the legislation in respect
of all canal boats entering the portion of the Grand Junction canal which is within the boundaries
of the borough.
During 1937, the canal-boats inspector made nine inspections. It was not found necessary to
serve any notices 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.
In accordance with the powers conferred on them by Section 224 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, the borough council can make application to the Court for an order to remove to a
hospital, infirmary, institution or other similar place, aged, infirm and physically incapacitated
persons living under insanitary conditions.
It is provided that the Court may make an Order for a period not exceeding three months,
and for such further periods not exceeding three months as may be determined by further Orders.
During the year four cases were dealt with. The first was that of an old woman who had been
a source of trouble to the council's officers since 1916. She accumulated vast quantities of rubbish in
her rooms, which was removed at the council's expense from time to time. She had been removed
to hospital on previous occasions, but was temporarily lost sight of after her discharge. When
she was rediscovered it was found necessary to apply to the Court for an Order for her removal
to hospital; two further applications were made for her detention therein. Before the last of
these periods had expired, it was learned that she had been certified to be of unsound mind, and
in the circumstances no further action by the council was necessary.
The other three cases were those of a man, aged 86, and two women aged 85 and 80. These
persons were found to be dirty, verminous and suffering from various chronic diseases. In each
case an Order was obtained for removal to St. Mary Abbots Hospital (Institution).
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
A rat officer is employed to assist in the work of rat destruction under the supervision of the
sanitary inspectors.

The following table is a record of his work for the year:—

Number of individual premises visited by the rat officer on receipt of complaint232
Total number of visits paid2,285
Number of poison baits laid during the year62,790
„ ,, disappeared58,510
„ ,, removed by the rat officer4,280