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29
C (12) Mortuary
An up-to-date mortuary with refrigeration for 6 bodies
came into operation on the 23rd February, 1952, to serve the
Boroughs of Erith and Bexley and the Urban District of
Crayford. This building is situated at the rear of the Council
Offices, Bexley.
Prior to the opening of this building, the facilities of the
Crayford mortuary were used for the three areas on 16
occasions. Since 23rd February, the new mortuary has
accommodated a total of 126 bodies, of which 44 were from the
Erith area. Post-mortem examinations were carried out in
123 cases, and 16 inquests were held.
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 authorities who wish to make use
of the facilities and in these cases a charge is made based on
the cost of the work.
C(14) Welfare of Old People
The Erith Elderly People's Welfare Committee continued,
during the early part of the year, its efforts to provide good
neighbourly services in the borough, and much good work
was done.
However, there had been for some time, a feeling that
there was scope for an organisation which would be able to
cope with a wider field of service. In May, 1952, the Committee
decided to take an important step in this direction,
namely to affiliate to the North West Kent Council of Social
Service through its Old People's Welfare Committee, with the
backing of the National Old People's Welfare Committee.
This meant that, in following closely the aims and objects
of the parent body, funds could be raised to enable the committee
to provide assistance in cash or kind where this was