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75
In the washing machine the articles are first flushed in cold water, to
which soda ash has been added, for ten minutes to remove the worst of
the foul matter. The machine is then drained through the foul attachment
which is connected direct to the drain in the same way as is a water
closet. The articles are then washed for 15 minutes in warm water at a
temperature of 110°—120 F., to which soap flakes and soda ash have
been added. The machine is then drained off over a gully in the usual
way. The articles are then washed for 15 minutes in hot water at a
temperature of 180°—200°F, to which soap flakes and sodium metasilicate
have been added. This is then drained off and the articles rinsed
firstly in hot water for five minutes, then in warm water for five minutes
and finally in cold water, to which blue has been added, for a final five
minutes.
The articles then pass from the infected side of the station to the
clean side where they are placed in the hydro-extractor for ten minutes.
Each bag is then checked; this is not done before this stage in order to
avoid too much handling of the foul articles by the staff. The articles are
now nearly dry, the final drying and sterilization taking place when the
articles are ironed on the calendar where they are subjected to a temppcrature
of approximately 300°F. They are then placed on the airers
which are steam heated to a temperature of some 100 F. for thirty
minutes. The articles are then removed, again checked, folded and
placed in clean linen bags and returned.
The year 1957 also saw, the appointment of a woman health officer
who together with the existing visitors (trained nurses whose work had
hitherto been mainly in connection with infectious diseases) for work
on behalf of old people. These three nurses were to spend an increasing
part of their time visiting old people and less on infectious diseases.
(Most of their infectious disease work has lately been transferred to the
public health inspectors).
By bringing in help where needed the visitors can very often prevent
the necessity for action under Section 47 of the National Assistance
Act, 1948 which involves the compulsory removal of an old person
to a place of safety. Not only this, the mere fact of a visit to a lonely
old person can be very beneficial, and therefore once such a person
becomes known to the department regular visits are made. As help
from other agencies such as the home help service, meals on wheels or
invalid aids is required these are arranged.
During 1961 and 1962 work for old people by the Borough Council
increased and the following is an account of the wide variety of activities
regarding the aged that is now being undertaken.
1. General
The "Elderly" for administrative purposes arc regarded as men
over the age of 65 and women over the age of 60. In the 1961 census
there were 10,177 men and 24,052 women in these age groups making
a total number of 34,229 out of a total population of 221,753, being
equivalent to 16 per cent.