View report page

DISINFECTION
Disinfection of rooms by the use of formalin spray is carried out after
cases of certain notifiable infectious diseases have occurred and, in the case of
tuberculosis, when considered necessary by the Chest Physician. Bedding and
clothing are disinfected at the disinfecting station at West Hendon Hospital by
arrangement with the Regional Hospital Board.
Library books at houses where cases of certain notifiable infectious diseases
occur, are removed and disinfected before return to the library.
Disinfection is also occasionally carried out at other premises to meet the
wishes of an occupier. In such cases a charge is made for the service.
Parcels of clothing to be sent abroad are disinfected on request and an
appropriate accompanying certificate issued.
During the year the following were dealt with:-
Rooms 74
Bedding and/or clothing 179
Library books 118
Parcels of clothing to
be sent abroad 45
DOMICILIARY LAUNDRY SERVICE
A problem which arises in the case of aged and sick persons in their own
homes, is the cleansing and laundering of soiled linen and clothing.
Where such persons have no relative living with them who is able to deal
with the articles, assistance is given under Section 84, Public Health Act, 1936
as amended by Section 42, Middlesex County Council Act, 1944.
These Sections give the Council the necessary authority to have the articles
collected and cleansed (laundered).
During the year 12,734 articles were collected from the houses of 45 such
incontinent persons.
The articles are collected twice weekly and returned to them after
laundering.
The scheme frequently enables these people to remain in their homes instead
of having to occupy beds in hospital which can therefore be put to more urgent
and better use.
59