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26 REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR 1954
Eradication of Bed Bugs
The methods employed for freeing infested houses include the
stripping of all paper from the walls, the removal of wooden mouldings
and skirtings and application of a blow lamp to the room
surfaces. Candles are often used by house owners and the spraying
of rooms by the disinfecting staff of the Council is carried out,
proprietary insecticides being used. Infested bedding is removed to
the Disinfecting Station and treated by steam.
During the year 174 houses were found to be infested with bed
bugs and disinfestation was carried out in all cases.
Special steps are taken to ensure that the furniture and clothing
of families about to be accommodated in the Council's houses or
flats are freed from vermin. Hydrogen cyanide gas is used for the
disinfestation of the furniture, which is placed in special vans
constructed for the purpose, the process being carried out by a
contractor. Bedding is not subjected to hydrogen cyanide but is
disinfested by steam at the Council's Disinfecting Station.
Mortuary and Crematorium
The mortuary at Wandsworth was used throughout the year and
315 bodies were received there.
Under the Crematorium Regulations, 1930, 1,190 cremations
were authorized during 1954 as compared with 1,175 in 1953.
Towards the end of the year certain improvements and additions
were made in the lighting and heating at the mortuary, it having
become evident that the existing arrangements were defective and
inadequate. Fluorescent lighting was installed over the post-mortem
tables, an additional light fixed over the table used by the Coroner
and two convector type electric heaters installed to replace the old
defective gas fire.
Burial of the Dead
•
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, it is the
responsibility of the Council to arrange for the burial of persons who
die or are found dead in the Borough, and for whom no suitable
burial arrangements are made or are being made.
The number of persons buried under the provisions of the Act
during 1954 was 19.