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34
Special Laundry Service
The Department continues to operate a service for laundering bed linen and clothing of the
acutely ill, incontinent or very dirty and verminous old people. In certain cases a certificate is given by
the Medical Officer of Health under the provisions of Section 84 of the Public Health Act 1936. The
work has been carried out by the staff of the Department's Laundries at 217 Lisson Grove and to a
limited extent, at Wedlake Street Baths.
During the year 11,182 (11,261) bags each containing about 10 lbs. of soiled linen were collected,
laundered and returned to the owners.
This essential service is much appreciated by the recipients; and a special word of praise is again
due to the staff at the centre for the noteworthy productivity of work which is not only hard but
also unpleasant.
Disposable Incontinence Pads
In response to Ministry of Health Circular 14/66, a service is maintained for patients resident in
the City, on written application by a general practitioner or district nurse, the patient being 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 stipulated 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, taken to the hospital for incineration.
During the year under review 136 (181) new cases arose, making a total of 258 (256) persons
who received deliveries of supplies in their homes, whilst 18 (11) arranged for them to be collected
from the Centres.
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, matters of technique, and the qualifications and suitability of the
persons employed at the premises are referred to the Medical Officer of Health for his observations.
Prior to 31st March, 1970, inspections of these premises were carried out by a qualified Physiotherapist
attached to the Health Department, but upon her retirement the inspectors of the Public
Control Section undertook the routine visits. The number of enquiries referred to the Health Department
during the year was 50.
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 provided
Turkish and sauna baths and chiropody. The basic objects of the legislation are to prevent immorality
and to ensure that the only persons employed to give other than non-remedial treatment are those
who can produce evidence that by examination or experience they are suited to give such treatments.
At the end of the year 273 (283) 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, eight applications for betting shops were referred to the Health Department
for reports as to suitability. The City Council lodged two objections; five applications were refused
by the Justices.
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.