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
Lewisham 1906
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham]
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95
by relatives that alcoholism was a predisposing cause. In 66
cases thorough disinfection of the infected premises was carried
out by the public health department, with the consent of the
occupiers. Miss Jones reports that she often experiences
difficulty in obtaining consent from the poorer and more
ignorant residents of the Borough for disinfection of the
premises after phthisis deaths. This is due to the disbelief in
the infectivity of this disease. It is very desirable that disinfection
of infected premises, bedding, clothing, &c., should be
made obligatory. Another danger arises from the frequency
with which phthisical patients change their abode, leaving their
former residence a fertile source of infection to those who may
follow them as tenants.
SUMMARY OF WORK OF WOMEN SANITARY
INSPECTORS.
During the year under review the Women Sanitary Inspectors have made 4,645 visits throughout the Borough. The following is a summary of the work done:—
| Factory and Workshop Act.- | Miss Whitworth (and her successors) | Miss Jones. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factories | 33 | 11 | 44 |
| Workshops | 254 | 207 | 461 |
| Workplaces | 44 | 181 | 225 |
| Laundries | 103 | 131 | 234 |
| Outworkers' homes | 47 | 116 | 163 |
| Phthisis | 59 | 104 | 163 |
| Chicken-pox | 65 | 165 | 230 |
| Measles | 28 | 95 | 123 |
| Puerperal fever | 5 | 15 | 20 |