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

Camberwell 1956

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell.

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Table: Sanitary Inspection of the Area.

Sanitary Inspection of the Area.

No. of complaints received4,283
Summary of Work carried out during the year 1956.
Inspections:—
Nuisance inspections4,374
Offensive trades29
Smoke observations319
Drainage, new and existing6,718
Overcrowding1,090
Factories and workplaces999
Outworkers' premises645
Rag dealers35
Infectious and other diseases663
Verminous premises and persons77
Aged and infirm persons137
Common lodging houses13
Conveniences, public and private186
Heating appliances (Fireguards) Act, 195247
Housing Repairs and Rents Act163
Shops Act1,205
Hairdressers and barbers95
Voluntary work79
Inspections not defined1,484
Re-inspections13,848
Total inspections32,206
Works supervised:—
Tests applied to drains (existing premises)231
Drains found defective143
Drains totally reconstructed36
Drains repaired or partially reconstructed200
Tests applied to drains (new buildings)3,652
Drains constructed1,556
Total works supervised5,818
Description of Sanitary Improvements ordered during the year:—
Cleanse and repair walls and ceilings598
Repair roofs, gutterings, etc.888
Abate dampness1,235
Repair stoves, fireplaces and coppers217
Repair windows, sashlines, sills, etc.448
Repair flooring, stairs, doors, etc.333
Provide sufficient light and ventilation30
Provide dustbin106
Remove offensive matter32
Provide or repair yard paving37
Provide or render accessible water supply202
Cleanse, cover or render accessible water cistern2
Repair water pipes and fittings269
Clear premises of vermin4
Cleanse or repair water closets and flushing apparatus449
Repair or clear defective or obstructed drains162
Repair soil pipes, waste pipes, sinks, etc.110
Abate nuisances caused by animals improperly kept2
Miscellaneous242
Total repairs and improvements ordered5,366