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16
Health Laundry.
During the year, arrangements were completed which enable
the Health Department to undertake, in certain cases, the cleansing
of foul and unwholesome articles of bed-linen, clothing, etc.,
under Section 122 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
The scheme is intended to meet the needs of those who are
unable to devote to themselves proper care and attention and
have no one who can give them that care. It does not provide
a general laundry service, but affords a means of preventing a
deterioration in health of people who are ill and more or less
confined to their beds. It is felt that the service will be particularly
useful in the cases of old persons and those who are awaiting
hospital treatment.
When an application for the service is received, a visit is
made by the Superintendent of the Disinfecting and Cleansing
Station (who is a State Registered Nurse) and, if his report indicates
that the case is one that can be dealt with under the
scheme, a certificate is issued by the Medical Officer of Health.
The articles are collected by the staff of the Council's Disinfecting
Station, washed, ironed (where necessary), and returned to the
owner. No charge is made for any part of the service.