London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Finsbury 1960

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finsbury Borough]

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The general practice has been to spray the rooms with a diluted
formalin, and in the more serious cases, bedding has been removed to
the Health Centre for treatment in the steam disinfector„
In April 1959 consideration was given to a memorandum issued by
the Ministry of Health on the subject. In consequence it was decided
that in such cases as smallpox, typhoid, paratyphoid, poliomyelitis
and diphtheria (and any other cases warranting such action) a
fumigation with formaldehyde and potassium permanganate would be
carried out after the rooms had been sealed. During 1959 some 30
premises, including sections of a London County Council school within
this Borough were treated.
During 1960 only 3 premises were subjected to this treatment, but
spraying was carried out on 191 occasions
Disinfection of bedding, clothing and other articles normally by
steam, occasionally when more suitable 'by Formalin vapour, has been
carried out in the disinfecting station at the Health Centre. Some
improvements in the plant were effected in 1959 as well as in the
techniques employed. Such disinfection has been carried out in
connection with the Infectious Diseases where indicated, some cases of
vermin and in some circumstances for mattresses etc, from the hospitals
and the Common Lodging House in the Borough,
In 1960, 3,557 articles were treated.
Disinfection of goods, mainly clothing, has continued to be
carried out on behalf of certain export firms in order that they may
comply with the requirements of some Commonwealth and Foreign Governments.
In 1960 this was undertaken for 44,205 articles, the plant
being charged on 175 occasions.
RECEPTION HOUSE
The portion of the Health Centre which had in the past been maintained
by the Council as a Reception House (for persons who could not
remain in their own rooms whilst these were being cleansed after
infectious disease, or who had no alternative accommodation in which
to reside during housing repairs) continued to be used, by agreement
with the North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, for the
purpose of accommodating the administrative side of the Mass Radiography
Unit.
The Islington Borough Council has kindly agreed to provide accommodation
for finsbury residents at their Reception House as and when
the occasion should arise.
No use has been made of this accommodation during the 5 syearsunder
review.
48