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
Deptford 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford Borough]
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Disinfection and Cleansing
The use of the disinfector at the South-Eastern Fever Hospital (now
renamed the New Cross General Hospital) was continued as a temporary
measure throughout the year, the Bathing Station also occupying part of
the hospital premises. Neither of these are entirely satisfactory. It is also
anticipated that the Regional Hospital Board will require the premises to
be vacated in the near future. It is hoped that the construction of the
proposed new station will be commenced during 1952.
The following is a summary of the work of disinfection, disinfestation and cleansing :—
| Premises disinfected (infectious disease) | 281 |
| Premises disinfected (requests) | 46 |
| Premises disinfected (verminous condition) | 448 |
| Premises disinfected (removals) | 5 |
| Total number of articles disinfected | 101,616 |
| Books disinfected | 94 |
| Number of articles destroyed at owner's request | 233 |
In addition to the normal disinfection a considerable amount of work
was done for firms engaged in exporting second-hand clothing and rags
mainly to certain parts of Africa where the clothing is not allowed to be
imported unless previously disinfected.
The total dealt with during 1951 was 75,950 garments and approximately
6 tons of rags.
Bathing Centre
| Number of school children who received baths (other than for scabies) | 851 |
| Number of school children who received baths for the treatment of scabies | 13 |
| Adults who received baths (other than for scabies) | 493 |
| Scabies baths for adults | 23 |
Water Supply
The water supply for domestic purposes for the whole of the Borough
is obtained from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board.
Routine bacteriological examination is not normally carried out by
the Council but the Water Board have supplied information on the
bacteriological purity when requested.
The water supply has been fully satisfactory throughout the year.
Certificates in accordance with Section 95 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, that dwelling houses had a proper and efficient water supply
were issued in respect of 35 new premises comprising 3 houses and 32 flats.
THE FACTORIES ACT, 1937
The following is an epitomised statement of the administration of the
Act. The inspections, visits, etc., are carried out by the District Sanitary
Inspectors.