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
Wimbledon 1900
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]
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| Diseases | Mattresses. | Palliasses. | Beds. | Pillow s and Holsters. | Blankets. | Dresses. | Suits. | Other Articles. | Totals. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Fever | 71 | 3 | 238 | 609 | 468 | 52 | 37 | 1965 | 3443 |
| Diphtheria | 38 | 1 | 107 | 215 | 203 | 8 | 14 | 574 | 1160 |
| Typhoid Fever | 14 | ... | 16 | 37 | 24 | ... | ... | 39 | 130 |
| Other Diseases | 5 | ... | 30 | 54 | 39 | 7 | 3 | 145 | 283 |
| Totals | 128 | 4 | 391 | 915 | 734 | 67 | 54 | 2723 | 5016 |
The disinfection of infected bedding and clothing in the past
* has been carried out by means of a hot-air chamber, heated by gas.
Now, at the new hospital, an Alliott and Paton's improved
Lyons steam disinfecting apparatus has been fixed. This is a disinfector
of the most modern type, by means of which it will enable
bedding to be returned the same day as removed, if necessary, this
being a great boon in the poorer classes who have no reserve
bedding.
With this apparatus, either hot air or steam is used as the
nature of the article to be disinfected requires.
The number of rooms disinfected was 213.
Twenty-eight library books were disinfected.
Drinking
Water
Cisterns.
The investigation in connection with cases of infectious disease
has revealed, in many instances, the improper positions
in which the drinking water cisterns are placed. They were
found in every conceivable position, often almost inaccessible, and
generally uncovered, in coal cellars, water-closets, and under bedroom
floors, in the latter cases the ill-fitting boards of the floor
forming the cover. This increases the difficulty of the occupier