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

Beddington and Wallington 1948

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]

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Table: The general standard of cleanliness throughout the Borough remains at a reasonably high level, special attention being paid to this matter by the Health Visitors and Sanitary Inspectors during their routine visits and in their contact with the public at the Town Hall.

The general standard of cleanliness throughout the Borough remains at a reasonably high level, special attention being paid to this matter by the Health Visitors and Sanitary Inspectors during their routine visits and in their contact with the public at the Town Hall.

Condition.0-5 years.School children.Adults.HouseholdsIndividual Cases.Total Cases Treated.
No. of FamiliesMembers Involved.
1st.Re.1st.Re.1st.Re.
Scabies1---2---33
Pediculosis2—17633620222
Total3238620525

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DISINFECTION.
The disinfection of houses has been undertaken by the Council
during the year and the Wandle Valley Hospital has continued to cooperate
in the disinfection of bedding.
Disinfection which is not absolutely essential in the interests of the
public health is also undertaken upon a payment of 10s. per load for
bedding, etc., and 5s. for the first room and 2s. 6d. for each additional
room as applied to house disinfection.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE
Until the 5th July, 1948, the Council continued to exercise its functions
as an autonomous maternity and child welfare authority. On that date,
however, this most important function, now described as the Care of
Mothers and Young Children under the National Health Service Act,
1946, passed to the control of the Surrey County Council, the local
health authority appointed by the Minister under the Act. The Corporation's
staff of three Health Visitors thus became County Council servants
from the 5th July. The transfer has been effected smoothly and efficiently,
and there has been no break in the continuity of the services provided, and
the high standard previously maintained by the Corporation has been
kept up.
The District Nursing Association midwives continue to conduct a
great deal of domiciliary midwifery in the area, working in close harmony
with the Department. They, too, however, from 5th July became servants
of the County Council, while the District Nursing Association continues
to act as agent of the County Council.
During the year the midwives attended a total of 183 confinements.
Ninety-four of these cases also had the services of a doctor.
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