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
Bermondsey 1931
Report on the sanitary condition of the Borough of Bermondsey for the year 1931
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BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
There is no special point to note in connection with the work
of the laboratory which consists mainly in the examination of
sputa for tubercle bacilli and the examination of throat swabs
for diphtheria bacilli. Many of the throat swabs are sent by
general practitioners and sterile outfits for this purpose are
supplied free on application to the Medical Officer of Health. All
Diphtheria contacts of school age are excluded from school until
the throat swab is negative. A positive result of course necessitates a further examination, and treatment in the meantime by
the private practitioner. Proved " Carriers " are usually referred
to the London County Council " Carriers " Clinic at Guy's Hospital.
In addition to the examination of swabs and sputa other bacteriological investigations are undertaken when requested.
| Nature of Specimen | Total Examinations | Results of Examination | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Negative | |||||
| 1930 | 1931 | 1930 | 1931 | 1930 | 1931 | |
| Diphthebia (specimens taken by Medical Officer of Health) | 1010 | 798 | 85 | 89 | 925 | 709 |
| Ditto (taken by general practitioners) | 1854 | 1628 | 186 | 198 | 1668 | 1430 |
| Diphtheria (total specimens taken) | 2864 | 2426 | 271 | 287 | 2593 | 2139 |
| Phthisis | 1833 | 1897 | 326 | 260 | 1507 | 1637 |
| Various | 135 | 305 | 5 | 20 | 130 | 285 |
| Total specimens taken | 4832 | 4628 | 602 | 567 | 4230 | 4061 |
FOOT CLINIC.
The clinic provides treatment for minor foot troubles such
as corns, bunions and ingrowing toenails. The total number of
attendances during the year was 9,021, consisting of 2,574 males
and 6,447 females. In May the charge for treatment was increased from sixpence to one shilling, and for appointments the
charge is now two shillings instead of one. Owing to the popularity of the clinic it was found necessary during the year to
increase the number of sessions from five to nine sessions per
week. The hours of attendance will be found on page 90.