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By arrangement with the Woolwich Group Hospital Management Committee,
the examination of specimens of human origin (mainly swab examinations) continued
to be undertaken by the Memorial Hospital. At the time of the change-over the
Council emphasised that the work had been most competently performed under
the old arrangement, but under the new scheme would be free of direct cost to the
Council.
At the end of the year, arrangements were made for the Hither Green Laboratory
to undertake the transferred work on behalf of the Public Health Laboratory
Service.
During the year, 259 throat and nasal swabs were examined, 1,389 specimens
of sputum, 10 specimens in suspected cases of dysentery, two in suspected cases of
typhus, two specimens of urine, one specimen of blood and two rectal swabs.
Examination of Swimming Bath Water. Samples of swimming bath water for
bacteriological testing are taken monthly and more frequently if found necessary.
Twenty-four such samples were submitted for bacteriological examination during
1949 and satisfactory reports were received on all the samples.
During the year arrangements were made for the department to carry out its
own analytical tests for free chlorine estimation and colorimetric test for the pH
value.
Mortuary. Public mortuary facilities are provided at the Council's premises
at Sunbury Street. These facilities have been little used in recent years owing
to the centralisation of Coroners' Courts in London.
Welfare of Aged and Infirm Persons. The welfare of elderly and infirm
persons in the Borough continues to occupy the attention of the Borough Council
and the problem of those people who are living alone is a matter of increasing
concern. Over 1,000 visits were made by the Council's inspectors to the homes
of these people during 1949. Much valuable assistance has again been given by
home helps and the Home Nursing Service.
The London County Council hope, by the end of 1950, to complete the erection
in the Plumstead area of a home to provide additional accommodation for elderly
and infirm persons. A scheme prepared by the County Council also provides for
temporary accommodation for those in urgent need.
The powers of the Borough Council to deal with the removal to suitable premises
of aged persons in need of care and attention, are now derived from Section 47 of
the National Assistance Act, 1948. It has not been necessary during the year
to exercise these powers ; often, suitable provision can be made for such persons
without resort to the above Section. Where difficulty is experienced, and in the
opinion of the Council removal is necessary in the interests of the persons concerned,
or in the interests of the general public, the Council can apply for an Order to a
Court requiring removal to suitable premises for a period, in the first instance, of
not more than three months. However, action under this Section is limited to
those persons who are suffering from a grave chronic disease, or, being aged, infirm
or physically incapable, are living in insanitary conditions.
Acting under the powers conferred by Section 31 of the National Assistance
Act, the Council is now giving financial assistance to the Woolwich Council of Social
Service, who are operating an " Old People's Lunch Club " at the Central Hall,
Plumstead High Street. Approximately 1,600 meals a month are now being served
from the Club. Arrangements may be possible for the provision of meals to old
people in other areas in the Borough.
Welfare Services for Blind and Other Persons. In 1949 the London
County Council prepared a scheme which provides for the employment of home
visitors whose duties will include teaching blind persons to read embossed literature,
giving instruction in pastime occupations, and generally assisting and advising in
promoting the welfare of blind persons.
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