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
St Pancras 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St. Pancras, Metropolitan Borough]
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4. Disinfestation was carried out by the Local Authority except in circumstances
explained in (3) above. In cases where the London County Council
rehouse tenants living in verminous premises, the Borough Council undertake to
disinfest the bedding and rooms.
The powers of the Local Authority for dealing with infested houses are strengthened
by Section 123 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
Cleansing.
At each attendance the person receives a bath, and the clothing is disinfected.
| Men. | Women. | Children under 15. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermin | 1431 | 35 | 3824 | 5290 |
| Scabies | 360 | 321 | 3243 | 3924 |
| Totals | 1791 | 356 | 7067 | *9214 |
* Includes 211 males and 1 female who had no home address.
The majority of the children included in the above table have been brought to the
cleansing station from the public elementary schools by officers of the London County Council.
As the Education Authority, powers were conferred upon them by the London County
Council (General Powers) Act, 1907, and the Children Act, 1908, authorising the cleansing of
children whose bodies or clothing were infested with vermin, or who were in a foul or filthy
condition. The necessary cleansing work is carried out by the staff of the Borough Council on
behalf of the County Council. Clerical duties and general supervision are undertaken by
London County Council School Nurses. Payment is made by the L.C.C. at the rate of two
shillings per child in respect of verminous conditions, and one shilling per bath for those
suffering from scabies.
In connection with children whose bodies or clothing are very verminous, arrangements
are made for the homes to be visited by the Sanitary Inspector, as the rooms and bedding may
also need disinfesting. It would obviously be useless to deal with the child and neglect
the home.
BACTERIOLOGICAL WORK.
To aid in diagnosis and to detect contact or carrier cases, the Borough Council provides
bacteriological diagnosis, free of charge, in connection with certain diseases.
In addition to the aboye, the preparation and supply of vaccines is undertaken, if desired
by the medical attendant, for use in connection with cases of Puerperal Fever.
This work is performed by Professor F. H. Teale, m.d., of University College Hospital,
under an arrangement made with the Council.