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Laboratory Facilities
The Public Analyst for the Borough is Mr. Thomas McLachlan of Messrs. Thomas
McLachlan & Partners, 4 Hanway Place, London, W.1.
Bacteriological examination of food is carried out by the Public Health Laboratory Service,
County Hall, S.E.I, and the Royal Institute of Public Health. The Public Health Laboratory
Service is also available to doctors for bacteriological examinations, throat swabs, and intestinal
specimens. The necessary swabs and outfits for the laboratory can be obtained from the
Environmental Health Service, which provides a Monday to Friday daily Service to County Hall.
Notional Assistance Act, 1948.
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951.
Removal to Hospital of Persons in Need of Care and Attention.
Under the provisions of the above Acts, application may be made to a Court of Summary
Jurisdiction for an Order for the compulsory removal to hospital of persons in need of proper
care and attention.
It was not found necessary to take action under these Acts in respect of any person in
the Borough during the year. In all cases it was possible to find a solution in other ways,
usually by co-operation with the family doctor and by providing ancillary services.
National Assistance Act, 1948 • Section 50.
Burial or Cremation of the Dead
During the year 34 burials were carried out by the Council.
Public Baths and Wash-houses
The Metropolitan Water Board supply is utilised for both baths and pool. The water is
subjected to chlorination, alkali treatment, and filtration, with continuous circulation.
Samples of water were taken for analysis and all were reported satisfactory. In addition,
frequent checks are made by the staff at the baths, particularly during heavy bathing loads.
The Public Baths and Wash-houses in Lime Grove, Shepherds Bush and North End Road,
Fulham, provide facilities for bathing, swimming and laundry work. For bathing there are private
hot baths or shower cubicles; and towels, soap, bath cubes, and shampoos are supplied at a
small cost. There are concession rates for children, and for old age pensioners free baths on
certain days. In the public wash-houses, fully automatic machinery is provided for washing
and spin drying. There are also hand irons.
There are two swimming baths at lime Grove and three at North End Road - only the
smaller ones being open all the year round. The larger ones are available during the Summer
months only, as during the Winter season they are converted into public halls which may be
hired for meetings,concerts,wrestling, or dances; and certain periods are set aside for Badminton,
and Indoor Bowls.
There is an open-air pool at Bloemfontein Road, Shepherds Bush which, during the Summer
mon ths, provides facilities for swimming and sun bathing.
During the Summer checks are also made in the various paddling pools provided in the
parks.
Staff Medical Examinations
The number of medical examinations carried out by the Senior and Assistant Medical
Officers to ascertain the suitability of applicants for employment in the Council's service was
932. In addition, 19 examinations of staff were undertaken in our three children's homes, and
10 by other Boroughs.
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