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28
C(12) Mortuary
The Borough Mortuary is situated at the rear of Erith
Parish Church in West Street, and consists of a reception room
and a viewing room.
There is accommodation for four bodies.
During the year 1950, 13 bodies were received therein.
Post mortem examinations were carried out in 12 cases.
Discussions are afoot for the provision of an up-to-date
mortuary to serve the Boroughs of Bexley and Erith and the
Urban District of Crayford, and it is hoped that definite proposals
will result from these discussions, with the possible
provision of the mortuary in 1951.
C(13) Disinfection and Disinfestation of Bedding, Clothing, etc.
A joint arrangement is in existence with the Bexley
Borough Council for the disinfection and disinfestation of
bedding, clothing, etc.
There is, also, a cleansing station for dealing with verminous
persons.
In the case of notifiable infectious disease, the service is
carried out free of charge.
It is also available to those persons who wish to make use
of the facilities and in these cases a charge is made towards the
cost of the work.
C(14) Welfare of Old People
In January 1950, the Ministry of Health issued a Circular
requesting Local Authorities to consider suggestions for developing
better collaboration between them and local voluntary
organisations in promoting the welfare of old people.
In the Circular the Ministry pointed out the great value to
old people of mobile services, social and recreational clubs, and
the need of services of the more personal kind which were not
covered by existing statutory provisions and which could best
be provided by voluntary workers actuated by a spirit of good
neighbourliness. Such services include the regular visiting
of old people in their homes, helping them with their shopping,
obtaining magazines and books from local libraries, letter
writing, mending and generally in solving minor domestic
difficulties. Home visiting of this kind has been shown to be of
particular value, for it can mitigate the sense of isolation and
loneliness often experienced by old people, and it can draw
attention also to those who need the benefit of other voluntary
services, possibly the doctor or the Public Health Service.
As a result of this Circular the Erith Borough Council,
through His Worship The Mayor, called a public meeting of