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C (10) Laboratory Facilities
Examination of pathological specimens and other laboratory
work for the district is undertaken by the Public
Health Laboratories, Preston Hall, British Legion Village,
Maidstone, Kent.
C (11) Mortuary
An up to date mortuary exists with refrigeration for 6
bodies 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.
During the year the mortuary accommodated 141
bodies, and post-mortem examinations were carried out in
139 cases. 23 inquests were held. 51 bodies were from the
Erith area, and post-mortem examinations were carried
out in 49 cases. There were 9 inquests.
C (12) 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 (13) Welfare of Old People
The work of the Erith Old People's Welfare Committee
continued during the year and the home visiting and
good neighbourly services were again one of the busiest
activities of the Committee.
Two parties were organised under the Holiday Scheme
and in addition to the Christmas Dinner and Party, 75
Christmas parcels were distributed.
C (14) National Assistance Act, 1948,
Section 50 (Burials)
During the year under review it was necessary for the
Council to carry out one burial under the previsions of
the above act: —
Mr. H. M. Deceased was 90 years of age and died
in a local nursing home. There were no known relatives
and a death grant was not payable.