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 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford Borough]
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Disinfection and Cleansing
The following is a summary of the work of disinfection, disinfestation and cleansing:—
| Premises disinfected (infectious disease) | 44 |
| Premises disinfected (requests) | 61 |
| Premises disinfected (verminous condition) | 144 |
| Total number of rooms disinfected | 419 |
| Total number of articles disinfected | 15,018 |
| Books disinfected | 63 |
| Number of articles destroyed at owner's request | 306 |
There was a small amount of disinfection undertaken on behalf of the
Admiralty in respect of stores of bedding at the Royal Victoria Yard,
Grove Street, Deptford, and £20 18s. 5d. was received from the Admiralty.
In addition, a local firm required bags to be steam disinfected before
export and an amount of £12 10s. 0d. was received in respect of this service.
Bathing Station
| Number of school children who received baths (other than for scabies) | 803 |
| Number of school children who received baths for the treatment of scabies and impetigo | 64 |
| Adults who received baths (other than for scabies) | 244 |
| Scabies baths for adults | 42 |
Laundry
The laundry service is for aged infirm people in the Borough, who are
incontinent and who have difficulty in obtaining someone to wash and
cleanse their bedclothes and personal underclothing, etc.
The equipment consists of a Washing Machine, Hydro-extractor and
Ironing Machine, and the work is carried out by the Bathing Station and
Disinfecting staff.
Laundry
| Number of patients | 64 |
| Number of collections and deliveries | 2,698 |
| Number of articles cleansed | 16,558 |
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.
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