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 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
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Fluoridation.
Fluoridation of water supplies to a level of 1.0 part per million has
been shown to be both harmless to health and most suited for the purpose
of dental protection. This concentration of fluoride occurs naturally in
many parts of the country, and artificial fluoridation in London is
intended to make generally available the protection which is enjoyed by
these other areas.
The Council have agreed to support the general policy regarding
fluoridation of water supplies, but no action has yet been taken by the
Metropolitan Water Board to introduce the fluoridation of water in the
London area.
BACTERIOLOGICAL AND ANALYTICAL WORK.
During the year, arrangements were continued whereby specimens of
milk, water and ice-cream for bacteriological examination were dealt
with by the laboratory at County Hall, and all other specimens were
sent to the laboratory at St. Stephen's Hospital.
The following table shows the total number of specimens examined by the two laboratories:-
| Nature of sample | Number examined |
|---|---|
| Nose and throat swabs | 64 |
| Faeces and rectal swabs | 458 |
| Urine | 66 |
| Milk (bacteriological) | 110 |
| Water (drinking) | 27 |
| Water (swimming) | 44 |
| Ice cream | 41 |
| Miscellaneous | 43 |
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 bodies are
accommodated in the Westminster Mortuary at Horseferry Road, S.W.1.,
which had been enlarged in order to deal with the extra requirements.
The total number of Kensington and Chelsea cases admitted during
the year was 487, which included 143 cases in which there were inquests.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During the year, the Council's policy was continued, namely, of no
longer requiring prospective employees to undergo a full medical
examination before being admitted to the Superannuation Funds, but
asking each one to complete a comprehensive questionnaire. Only where
an element of doubt existed was the applicant actually asked to attend
for medical examination.
Number of questionnaires received 513
Number referred for medical examination 13
Number failing to pass 5
Number referred for further opinion 8
Number required to be re-examined
within twelve months 11
In addition, thirteen members of the staff who had been on prolonged
sick leave were medically examined. Three medical examinations were
also carried out at the request of other local authorities.