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8
Such places have proved most successful in other districts, and are
greatly appreciated by those who otherwise would never go out.
Laundry Service for Incontinent Patients.
The service was commenced in 1956 and has continued to work
very smoothly. It is confined exclusively to patients who are incontinent
and articles laundered are limited to sheets and draw sheets.
Although the number of patients served at any one time is small,
and the scope of the service is limited, the benefits have been enormous.
Sheets are loaned to the patient in sufficient number; twice weekly
the soiled sheets are collected and an equal number of laundered sheet?
is handed in; a charge of sixpence per sheet is made.
This service very considerably reduces the burden on the relatives,
and makes it possible for them to nurse at home in comfort a patient
who would otherwise have to be admitted to hospital. The small
charge covers the actual cost of laundering, and is never a hardship to
the patient since a special allowance is available from the National
Assistance Board.
Figures relating to the work done under this scheme are included
in Section "B".
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT 1948. SECTION 47.
Under this section of the above Act the Council is able to apply
to a Court of Summary Jurisdiction for an Order for the compulsory
removal to suitable accommodation of a person who is living in insanitary
circumstances, or who is suffering from grave chronic disease and
who is unable to get the assistance required.
No action was taken under the section during this year. A number
of cases caused concern, and action was contemplated, but in each
instance a satisfactory solution was arrived at without resort to
compulsion.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
The report of the Chief Public Health Inspector is included in
Sections C, D, and E and reference to these indicates the large volume
and varied nature of the work carried out by the Staff of the Health
Department.