Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Annual report on the health of the Metropolitan Borough of Deptford
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Circumstances decide the action necessary, thus the services of a
Ranyard Nurse may be requisitioned. Measles became notifiable in
Deptford in September, 1922, so that little time is lost in ascertaining
cases. Information concerning whooping cough is derived mainly
from head teachers. The Health Visitors visit such cases as their
already extensive duties permit. In all cases where any sanitary
defect is found, information is promptly conveyed to the department
for necessary action.
Midwives. These are under the supervision of the London County
Council. There are some nineteen in the Borough, of whom five are
at the Municipal Maternity Home. No subsidy is paid to midwives
locally.
Chemical Work. The report concerning Food and Drugs will be
found in the tables given hereafter.
Laboratory Work at Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich.
Material. | Total Specimens examined. | Number Positive. | Number Negative. | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Swabs for Diphtheria | 1584 | 240 | 1344 | |
Blood for Enteric Fever | 5 | — | 5 | |
Faeces and urine for Enteric Fever | 4 | — | 4 | |
Sputum for Tuberculosis | 64 | 8 | 56 | |
Urine for „ | 1 | — | 1 | |
Swabs for Meningococcus | 11 | — | 11 | |
Smear from eye discharge | 1 | — | 1 | |
Hairs (for ringworm) | 1 | — | 1 | |
Mussels, samples | 2 | 2 | — | |
Well water | 1 | — | 1 | |
Total | 1674 | 250 | 1424 |
In addition to the above, 1,179 specimens of sputa were examined at
the Council's Tuberculosis Dispensary. Diphtheria anti-toxin is kept
available at the Town Hall for practitioners requiring it in an emergency.
Where the patient can pay for it, cost price is charged.
In London, there is not the same great need for anti-sera at the
Public Health Department as in the provinces, simply because when a
practitioner sees a diphtheria case in a house he rings up on the telephone
and the case is removed to hospital rapidly, where the necessary serum
is given.