London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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The following- table shows the localisation of the disease in the case of the 252 deaths recorded in 1947.
| Localisation | No. of Deaths | Percentage of Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| Buccal cavity, (Esophagus (M), | ||||
| Uterus (F) | 16 | 12 | 28 | 11.1 |
| Stomach and Duodenum | 21 | 10 | 31 | 12.3 |
| Breast | — | 32 | 32 | 12.7 |
| All other sites | 94 | 67 | 161 | 63.9 |
| Total | 131 | 121 | 252 | 100.0 |
DIABETES.
For some years past, with the sanction of the Ministry of Health,
the Council has borne the cost of insulin required by certain necessitous
patients who were receiving treatment for diabetes at London
hospitals. During 1947 insulin was supplied to 21 such cases.
Seven deaths from this disease were registered in Battersea in
1947.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
The bacteriological examination of clinical material (with the
exception of specimens of sputum, which are dealt with at the
Tuberculosis Dispensary, vide page 33) is carried out by the Clinical
Research Association, of Watergate House, Strand.
During 1947 the number of bacteriological examinations of
specimens sent in by medical practitioners practising in Battersea
was 464 (exclusive of the specimens dealt with at the tuberculosis
dispensary).
The following table gives particulars of the bacteriological examinations carried out during the year :—
| Suspected disease | Positive Results | Negative Results | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria | 15 | 447 | 462 |
| Other | — | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 15 | 449 | 464 |
The cost of these examinations is borne by the Council, and in
1947 amounted to £70 9s. l1d.