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Disposable Incontinence Pads
Under Ministry of Health Circular 14/66 a service is provided for patients residing in Westminster (on
written application by a general practitioner or district nurse) whereby the patient is supplied free of
charge with disposable incontinence pads and, where required, protective rubber pants. These are either
collected by the patient or his representative from a convenient centre, or, where necessary, delivered to
the patient's home by a Health Department van. If difficulty is experienced at the home in disposing of the
soiled pads, these are placed in disposable waterproof bags, collected by the van delivering new supplies
and, through the kind co-operation of St. Mary's Hospital, Harrow Road, incinerated there.
During the year under review 165 (156) new cases arose, making a total of 280 (274) persons who
received deliveries of supplies in their homes, and 7 (14) who arranged for them to be collected from
centres.
It is of interest to note that in 1972, 162,648 (145,100) disposable incontinence pads and 141 (152)
pairs of protective pants were issued.
Establishments for Massage or Special Treatment
The City Council is responsible for the licensing and regulation of establishments for massage or special
treatment in the City.
This matter is dealt with by the Public Control Section of the Town Clerk's Department, but enquiries
with regard to apparatus, technique, qualifications and suitability of the persons employed at the premises
are referred to the Medical Officer of Health for his observations. The number of such enquiries referred to
the Health Department during the year was 28 (34).
The establishments about which enquiries were made ranged from those premises giving facial beauty
treatment, general massage, and certain forms of electrical treatment, to those which provide Turkish and
sauna baths and chiropody. The basic objects of the legislation are to prevent immorality and to ensure
that persons employed to give other than non-remedial treatment can produce evidence that by examination
or experience they are suited to give such treatments. At the end of the year 253 (261) establishments were
in operation.
Betting Shops
These establishments are required to be licensed by the Betting Licensing Justices and applicants for
such licences must, by law, submit copies of their application to the police and to the City Council in order
that, if necessary, these authorities may raise objection to the licence being granted. During the year under
review two (8) applications for betting shops were referred to the Health Department for reports as to
suitability.
CORONER'S COURT AND MORTUARY
The Coroner's Court and Mortuary is situated in Horseferry Road, S.W.1.
The arrangements made by H.M. Coroner (Inner West London) for the reception at the mortuary of
bodies under his jurisdiction in the City of Westminster and from the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea continue to operate satisfactorily.
The Greater London Council (which is responsible for the provision of Coroners' Courts) contributes
to the City Council's costs in regard to the Coroner's accommodation, and the City Council has a financial
arrangement with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in respect of bodies from that borough
accommodated in the mortuary.
The staff comprises the Superintendent, a First Mortician, 3 Mortuary Assistants and 2 cleaners.
Details of the work carried out at the Mortuary during the year are set out in Table 28, page 73.