A MODERN LAUNDRY

Abstract

THE new laundry at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, Massachusetts, was completed and ready for use March 1, 1907. A description of this building and its working methods may be of some assistance to the busy superintendent of the smaller hospital, who is perhaps interested in a new building or the reorganization of an old laundry. Lest we be accused of extravagance, I should like to explain that we were anxious to erect a building at as small a cost as possible, yet at the same time preserve our standards in all directions as to substantial and durable construction and simplicity in arrangement and equipment. To provide for the future growth of the hospital, the building was planned amply large, sixty feet long by forty wide. The frame is of iron, the walls, best quality Dover river brick, roof of slate and all conductors are of copper. The inside walls and partitions are of white enamelled brick, the ceiling of hard pine painted with four coats of white with a final coat of enamel. The floors are granolithic, doors and window sashes and all frames and woodwork of ash, varnished, door knobs of glass. All pipes are covered, painted white, and bound with brass strips. The windows are numerous and large, all are screened and provided with inside shades of dark green. The bright, clean, airy appearance furnished by this white interior, and abundant light and sunshine would satisfy the most oesthetic taste, while an opportunity to see dirt and remove it easily is thus afforded. The hose is used, in conjunction with a long handled brush, about once a month, on these walls, keeping them sweet and clean. Although the expense of putting in white enamelled brick partitions and walls is quite large, the results are well worth the additional outlay and in the end is more economical, as it does away with the frequent painting, breaking of plaster and difficult and expensive cleaning of walls. The building is entered by means of a granolithic incline; this allows the laundry cart to be pushed into the building for loading and unloading. The front door, which is a large double one, opens into an entry. On the right is a receiving room for soiled linen, at the side of 513