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
Fulham 1887
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham]
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118
During the year an epidemic of scarlet fever occurred in the parish,
about which a Special Report was made to the Vestry by me. The
epidemic was chiefly confined to the Northern District of the parish, and
was considerably increased by the non-notification and want of isolation
of cases. I should again strongly recommend the Vestry to support any
movement for the compulsory notification of infectious diseases.
In dealing with this question I should call the attention of the
Vestry to the valuable services given by Inspector Croucher in the
execution of his duties during this epidemic, and strongly recommend
him for some recognition of his services.
The following table shows the death rate of the parish for the four quarters of the year ended 31st December, 1887, and of the Metropolitan district for the same periods:—
| Quarter Ended. | Fulham. | Metropolis. |
|---|---|---|
| March, 1887 | 15.8 | 20.7 |
| June, 1887 | 17.2 | 18.0 |
| September, 1887 | 20.4 | 19.6 |
| December, 1887 | 19.8 | 20.0 |
The above shows that Fulham can favourably compare with the
Metropolis at large.
SLAUGHTER-HOUSES, BAKE-HOUSES, AND COW-SHEDS.
Slaughter-Houses—These, nine in number, were personally inspected
by me and periodically by the Sanitary Inspectors. On no occasion of
my visiting them have I found anything of importance to find fault with,
and they have been favourably reported on by your Inspectors.
Bake-Houses—These, 73 in number, have been all personally
inspected by me and periodically by your Sanitary Inspectors. They
were found satisfactory, and any slight defects were remedied on being
cautioned.
Cow-Sheds—These, 15 in number, have all been personally
inspected on more than one occasion, and periodically by your
Inspectors.
I can only repeat what I said in my former report, that I consider
the Cow-sheds in Fulham would bear comparison with any in the
Metropolis.