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The London County Council is the Authority responsible for the
supervision of midwives in the Borough. Through the courtesy of
Dr. F. N. Kay Menzies, the County Medical Officer of Health, I have
been able to ascertain that 11 midwives gave notice during the year of
their intention to practise as midwives in Chelsea.
LABORATORY WORK.
Analysis of Food and Drugs.—The Public Analyst is Mr. B. H.
Gerrans, F.I.C., and the investigations in connection with food and
drugs sold in the Borough are carried out in his laboratories. The
detailed results of analyses made during the year will be found appended
to this report.
Bacteriological Examinations.—Routine bacteriological examinations
are carried out at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine.
Special investigations for the Ante-natal Clinic are carried out at St.
George's Hospital, S.W. 1.
Arrangements have also been made with the Clinical Research Association
for the bacteriological examination of samples of milk under the
Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923. No occasion has yet arisen
for such investigation.
The number of bacteriological, bacterioscopic and other examinations
made during the year was 436. Of these, 370 were for the bacillus
association with Diphtheria and 64 for the bacillus associated with Tuberculosis.
One specimen of urine was examined for B.Coli. In addition a
specimen of the water at the public Baths was submitted for examination.
The total cost of these services to the Borough Council was
£69 3s. 9d.
The total number of bacteriological examinations during the preceding
year was 435.
Anti-toxin.—diphtheria anti-toxin is available at the Town Hall
daily during office hours. It may also be obtained at the premises of
Messrs. Timmis and Richards, 432, King's Road, S.W., at any hour,
day or night. It is supplied free of charge, both in prophylactic and
in curative doses, to medical practitioners on application. The amount
supplied during the year was 136,000 units. An anti-toxin syringe,
needles and steriliser are also available on loan.
The total cost to the Council for anti-toxin supplied during the year
Was £8 18s. 6d.
PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION IN FORCE IN THE
BOROUGH.
The powers under which the Council work are those contained in
the Public General Acts, the London County Council (General Powers)
Acts, and the By-laws under the Public Health Acts.