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Medicinal Baths and Treatment Centre
General
The provision of female labour at the Medicinal Baths and Health Laundry
presents no problems, but the reverse applies in respect of the males.
There are five posts on the establishment, one of which was occupied by
a man with 16 years service, another by an employee with almost two years
service whilst the remaining three posts were occupied by 12 men during
the course of the year. This constant turn-over of personnel in the
collection and delivery side of the Incontinent Laundry Services means
that there is no continuity in the link between the resident and the
Service. As the majority of those on our Laundry Service are elderly any
link with the Council is of potential value and twice weekly contact
with an interested employee over a period of time not only results in a
better service, but provides an additional check on the wellbeing of the
elderly. Unfortunately, the remuneration offered for this exacting and
at times unpleasant work is not sufficient to attract and retain the required
type.
Co-operation with the various local hospitals in the training of medical
students and nurses continued and the groups who visited our Centre
received an insight into the work of the different sections.
Neighbouring authorities continued to make use of the facilities provided
in this section - 422 persons receiving 712 treatments, the largest user
being Ealing - 254 residents receiving 437 treatments. The income received
in this connection enables staff and equipment to be more economically
employed to the ultimate benefit of our Authority.
Generally speaking, work at the Medicinal Baths which covers disinfection
and disinfestation of property in addition to personal cleansing continues
to increase. There is also no doubt whatsoever that most of this work
would not be necessary if greater use were made of soap and water by the
complainants.
Cleansing and Treatment of Persons
It is disappointing to record that over the past six years there has been
an increase each year in the number of persons treated for Scabies. in
1966 there were 354 and in 1971 there were 620 cases.
Treatment for Pediculosis which dropped each year from 357 in 1966 to
267 in 1969 showed an increase in 1970 of 69 with a further increase this
year of 144.
In connection with these treatments the personal clothing of 420 patients
were sterilised, the autoclave being used for this purpose on 387
occasions.
Steam and Chemical Sterilisation
The new small capacity autoclave was finally installed in July and has
proved invaluable in dealing with the clothing of persons treated in the
Medicinal Baths. Apart from the reduction in processing time there is a
saving in steam used as the large steriliser is now used solely for the
larger articles.
Demand for this service is mainly from our own establishments and Fulham
Hospital as the following tables indicate.
B. 42