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
Kensington and Chelsea 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
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BACTERIOLOGICAL AND ANALYTICAL WORK.
In previous years, all bacteriological investigations were carried
out at County Hall Laboratory, but during the year 1966, the Group
Pathological Laboratories at St. Stephen's Hospital became responsible
for bacteriological investigations in this area.
However, after discussions with the two laboratories concerned, it
was agreed that, in order to assist the working of the laboratories, all
samples of milk, water and ice-cream would continue to go to County Hall
for investigation whilst all other bacteriological specimens would go to
St. Stephen's Hospital.
Specimens can be taken direct to St. Stephen's Hospital or can be
left at Princess Louise Hospital, the Health and Welfare Department, or
Chelsea Old Town Hall, from which a collection is made daily and taken
direct to St. Stephen's Hospital.
County Hall Laboratory undertook to investigate any specimens that
were delivered to County Hall in error.
The following is a summary of the work performed by the two laboratories as it affects this boroughs-
| Nature of sample | Number examined | |
|---|---|---|
| Nose and throat swabs | 113 | |
| Faeces and rectal swabs | 1,715 | |
| Urine | 24 | |
| Milk (bacteriological) | 111 | |
| Water (drinking) | 16 | |
| Water (swimming) | 65 | |
| Ice cream | 49 | |
| Miscellaneous | 25 | |
SWIMMING BATHS.
There are four swimming pools provided in the borough, two at the
Public Baths situated in North Kensington at the junction of Lancaster
Road and Silchester Road, and two situated in Chelsea at the Public
Baths in Chelsea Manor Street.
The water used in the North Kensington pools is taken from the main
supply of the Metropolitan Water Board, and the Chelsea pools are
supplied from a deep well situated beneath the baths. In both
establishments the water is treated by chlorination and continuous
filtration.
During the year, samples of water were taken from the pools and
from their sources of supply for bacteriological examination, and all
were satisfactory. Regular examinations of the bath waters were
carried out by the department, and full chemical analyses were carried
out periodically by the Public Analyst.
PUBLIC MORTUARY FACILITIES AND CORONER'S COURT.
Since 1st April, 1965, the Council have had an arrangement with
the City of Westminster whereby all Kensington and Chelsea cases are
accommodated in the Westminster Mortuary at Horseferry Road, S.W.1.,
which has been enlarged in order to deal with the extra requirements.