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reports to the Public Health Committee and in January, 1957 this
service came into operation.
The photographs give an idea of the particularlypleasing
and well-planned lay-out of the laundry, which has ample
light and provides adequate space for the efficient operation of
the excellent modern machinery which has been installed.
Fortunately, very little adaptation of the existing
laundry at the Public Health & Cleansing Station was required
beyond the provision of "three-phase" electric supply and the
replacement of special deep rinsing sinks. The following
equipment was installed
One large Washing Machine. One Hydro Extractor.
One Electric Ironer. One Laundry Truck.
The total cost of the new equipment and alterations
amounted to £963, but the service has already proved to be
such a boon to many harassed and distressed old folk that this
expenditure would appear to be well worth while.
A twice weekly service of collection and delivery has
been instituted and the work is being carried out by the
existing staff at the Public Health Station. The Council has
no power to make a charge and the service operates under the
following conditions
1.- Only articles of bed clothing and personal clothing
contaminated with faeces, urine or discharges can
be dealt with.
2.- When a request for the service is received, Mrs.
Speechley or another Public Health Inspector visits
the person concerned in order to be satisfied that
the articles in question fall to be dealt with under
Section 122 and that the family is unable to deal with
the situation.
Certificates to the effect that bed linen and/or
personal clothing is in such a condition that health
is likely to be endangered thereby are submitted to
the Public Health Committee each month together with
a report of the cases for which Certificates have been
signed.
In those cases where persons have not possessed at
least three changes of linen the Hampstead Old People's Welfare
Association and National Assistance Board have been most helpful.