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34
C (12) Mortuary
The Borough Mortuary for the year under review was
situated at the rear of Erith Parish Church in West Street, and
consisted of a reception room and a viewing room. There was
accommodation for four bodies.
During 1951, the Erith Mortuary was not used, the
majority of the bodies being received in Bexley Mortuary, and
the remainder at Crayford. This arrangement was made for
the convenience of the Pathologist.
Discussions proceeded during 1951 for the provision of an
up.to.date mortuary to serve the Boroughs of Erith and Bexley,
and the Urban District of Crayford. The new mortuary was
finally opened early in 1952.
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
During the year the Erith Elderly People's Welfare Committee
continued its work of visiting old people in their own
homes and providing good neighbourly services.
Close co.operation was maintained with the District
Officer of the Kent County Council, the voluntary organisations,
and the visitors concerned.
Discussions took place during the year, on the possible
widening of the scope of the activities of the Committee, by
affiliation to the North West Kent Old People's Welfare
Committee and the consequent provision of something more
than good neighbourly services. The extra services visualised
were the setting up of more clubs for the elderly, the provision
of "meals on wheels," arranging of holidays, outings,