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
Deptford 1932
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford, Metropolitan Borough of]
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Arrangements had been previously made to ensure the obtaining of
early information of cases of suspected cases in schools in order that
the Health Visitors might offer nursing assistance where necessary.
For the prophylaxis of Measles, serum is available for use by medical
practitioners. In six instances serum was applied for and used with
beneficial results.
Whooping-Cough.
Amongst infectious diseases, Whooping-cough is accountable for the greatest number of deaths in very young children. The fatality in
past years is as follows:—
| No. of Deaths. | Percentage of total Deaths. | Death-rate per 1,000 population. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average 1915-1924 | 24 | 1.5 | 0.22 |
| 1925-1929 | 13 | 0.9 | 0.11 |
| 1930 | 3 | 0.2 | 0.03 |
| 1931 | 11 | 0.9 | 0.10 |
| 1932 | 9 | 0.7 | 0.09 |
It cannot be too strongly urged that good nursing and the keeping
of the child in a warm, well-ventilated room for a sufficient period still
remain our most effective means of warding off the risk of pneumonia
which so frequently leads up to death.
Bacteriological Facilities.
The Council's general bacteriological work is conducted at the
Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich, while sputum for tubercle bacilli is
ordinarily examined at the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
The following is a summary of the work done*:-
Laboratory Work at Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich, 1932.
| Material. | Number Positive. | Number Negative. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swabs for Diphtheria | 129 | 886 | 1015 |
| Sputum for Tuberculosis | 13 | 62 | 75 |
| Blood for Enteric Fever | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Urine for T.B. | — | 1 | 1 |
| Stool for Enteric | — | 2 | 2 |
| Dust from Stone-crushing Plant | — | 1 | 1 |
| Maternity outfit for sterility | — | 1 | 1 |
| Swab for Lochial discharge | 1 | - | 1 |
| Urine for examination | — | 1 | 1 |
| Nasopharyngeal swab for Meningitis | — | 1 | 1 |
*Note.—Other examinations are reported under "Food."