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
Deptford 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford Borough]
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Board will require the premises to be vacated in the near future. The
construction of the new Disinfection and Bathing Station was commenced
in December, 1952, and opened in January, 1954.
The following is a summary of the work of disinfection, disinfestation and cleansing:-
| Premises disinfected (infectious disease) | 153 |
| Premises disinfected (requests) | 39 |
| Premises disinfected (verminous condition) | 448 |
| Premises disinfected (removals) | 3 |
| Total number of articles disinfected | 24,459 |
| Books disinfected | 198 |
| Number of articles destroyed at owner's request | 111 |
In addition to the normal disinfection some work was done for firms
engaged in exporting second-hand clothing and rags mainly to certain
parts of Africa where the clothing is not allowed to be imported unless
previously disinfected.
The total dealt with during 1953 was 2,160 garments. The charges for
this service amounted to £7 16s. 0d.
Bathing Centre
| Number of school children who received baths (other than for scabies) | 795 |
| Number of school children who received baths for the treatment of scabies | 49 |
| Adults who received baths (other than for scabies) | 493 |
| Scabies baths for adults | 24 |
water supply
The water supply for domestic purposes for the whole of the Borough
is obtained from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board.
Routine bacteriological examination is not normally carried out by
the Council but the Water Board have supplied information on the
bacteriological purity when requested.
The water supply has been fully satisfactory throughout the year.
Certificates in accordance with Section 95 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, that dwelling houses had a proper and efficient water supply
were issued in respect of 80 new premises.