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
Fulham 1961
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]
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The equipment is used at the medical examination of all new entrants to the
Council's service. It was also made available on a voluntary basis to all existing
staff. Where a defect of vision is detected the person is advised to see their own
optician or doctor, as appropriate, for further advice re glasses, etc. The apparatus
has proved useful. In a few cases it has brought to light serious loss of vision which
had not been recognised by the person concerned. Where appropriate employees are
offered re-examination after a suitable interval.
The testing of the patient is carried out by a lay person trained in the technique
but the interpretation of the findings is done by a medical officer. Some experience is
needed by the medical officer in interpreting the results as the apparatus is very
sensitive and can detect minor defects which may be of little immediate importance.
The findings were as follows:-
| Staff: | Vision Normal | Advised further investigation | Re-examination in one year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing staff | 106 | 56 | 9 |
| New entrants to Council employment as part of medical examination | 44 | 6 | — |
| As part of the medical examination either as new entrant or for admis-sion to the superannuation scheme | 41 | 15 | — |
| 191 | 77 | 9 | |
| Total 277 | |||
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
This Act regulates the sale of pet animals and empowers a local authority (in London
a Metropolitan Borough) to grant licences to keep a pet shop on payment of a fee not
exceeding ten shillings.
During 1961 one business closed leaving eight premises in respect of which licences
were renewed.
No contraventions of the Act were found during 14 inspections.
PHARMACY AND POISONS ACT, 19 33
The retail sale of poisonous substances by shopkeepers who are not registered
pharmacists is controlled by the Act and Rules made thereunder.
The Poisons List, which has been prepared by the Poisons Board and confirmed by the
Home Secretary, prescribes two Lists of Poisons - Part I and Part II. The sale of
poisons included in Part I is restricted to registered pharmacists whilst those included
in Part II may be sold to the general public not only by registered pharmacists, but also
(subject to certain conditions) by ordinary traders whose names are entered on a List of
Persons entitled to sell such poisons, kept by the Local Authority.
The Acts and Rules lay down certain requirements regarding type of container,
labelling, storage, transport and sale of poisons, penalties being prescribed for
non-compliance. Fees are payable to the local authority by persons whose names are
entered on the List.