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illness of a non-infective nature. Spraying is carried out to reassure
what is generally a distressed person; formaldehyde being used in respect
of 28 rooms in .18 premises. Spraying with a pine disinfectant was also
carried out in 7 cases of complaints of flooding involving 13 rooms.
Assisted Bathing
This Service, instituted by the Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith in
1961, assists mainly the aged, infirm person. Requests are received
mostly from General Practitioners and Social Workers. The patients are
collected and returned to their homes by Council transport. It is strictly
a limited service as it is very time consuming, but is greatly appreciated
by the few who benefit. During the past year 17 persons varying in age
from 52 to 93 received 271 baths. The infirmities included Hemiplegia,
Bronchitis and Arthritis. The Station Superintendent who is a State
Registered Nurse keeps a strict watch on these patients during bathing.
Health Laundry
It is becoming increasingly obvious that larger premises are essential if
Section 13 of the Health Services and Public Health Act, 1968 is to be
fully implemented. Receipt and despatch are the two main problems. Last
year receipt and marking were moved to adjoining premises and as output
increases despatch will need to be moved also. The two new 60 lb. washers
and 1001b. tumbler drier have proved most effective and the steam press
continues to operate most efficiently. Unfortunately, the two spin driers
have proved most unreliable as only on rare occasions have both been
serviceable. They are due for replacement in 1972 when the work flow
should then improve. The Mariner ironer has required constant attention
and it is proposed to replace it with a steam press in 1973. A balanced
work flow should then be possible with a consequent increase in output.
Incontinence Pads and Dressings
A comparatively recent extension of the Services provided from Seotts
Road is the collection and disposal of foul dressings and of pads issued
to incontinent persons. Although the odd collection has been requested
over the past few years it is only recently that demand has escalated.
The need for such a service is partly due to the decreased use of solid
fuel as a means of heating. This material cannot be burnt, as before,
on the stove or fire and the dustbin cannot be used for such a purpose.
Incineration by the Local Authority is, therefore, necessary and another
service is added to those already provided.

B. 44