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Free Washing Facilities in Public Conveniences
In October, 1951, facilities for free handwashing were made
available in the Kew Bridge (Ladies'), Kew Bridge (Men's), High Road
(Men's) and Turnham Green (Ladies') Public Conveniences, paper hand
towels and liquid soap in tilting dispensers being issued to each.
The scheme was designed in the first place in order that food
handlers such as roundsmen or hawkers could find it easy to maintain
personal hygiene when working for lengthy periods of time away from
their shops or homes, although as a general public health measure it
is a good thing for all, and the citizens who pay for the service in
their rates can benefit from it not only through the greater safety
of their food when delivered by uncontaminated hands, but also
through the increase in their personal security by taking advantage
of the service themselves.
Up to the end of 1951, 2,700 paper towels had been issued and
24 pints of liquid soap, showing a fair use of the service. In
addition, those who preferred linen hand towels and tablet soap were
able to hire these at a cost of 3d each and in the same conveniences
1,849 of these towels were also used.
HEALTH PROPAGANDA
A continuous programme of distribution of health advice and
information was maintained throughout the year. General talks aimed
at the dissemination of useful knowledge on the prevention of
infection and the maintenance of physical and mental health were
given to audiences composed of members of societies and members of
youth groups. Posters were displayed on health matters of topical
interest, and personal talks given to factory managers, cafe
proprietors, food handlers, and householders during the ordinary
visits paid by the medical officer of health or sanitary inspectors.
At a meeting of the Borough Public Relations Council which
consists of representatives of most of the voluntary and trade
societies, a talk and demonstration of film strips prepared by the
Gentral Council for Health Education on the subject of Hygiene in
the Handling and Preparation of Food was given. The Central Office
of Information was asked to arrange a programme of films on the 9th
January for the purpose of educating food handlers on the
importance of clean food. Three sessions were held during one day
and the proprietors of all the catering establishments and food
factories were notified and asked to publicise the information and
to permit as many of their employees as possible to attend during
working hours. Included in each programme was the film "Another
Case of Food Poisoning". General propaganda was begun to make the
public aware of the facilities for Mass X-ray diagnosis of
Tuberculosis which were to be made available early in 1952. A
special meeting of representatives of voluntary associations,
employers, trades councils, and local government bodies was convened
for the purpose of obtaining sufficient assistance with the broadcasting
of posters and leaflets to make certain that no person in
the Borough could remain unaware of the fact that the Unit was to be
operating.
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