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Some of the Principal Developments of the Public Health service by The
Metropolitan Borough Council of Finsbury 1900-1965
Former Medical Officers of Health:-
1901-1907. G. Newman, M. D., F. R. S. Edin., D.P.H. Camb. (Later Sir
George Newman).
1907-1909. C. Porter, M. D., B.Sc., M.R.C.P., Barrister-at-Law.
1909-1934. A. E. Thomas, M. A., M. D., D. P. H., Barrister-at-Law.
1934-1939. N.D. Dunscombe, M.A., M.B., D.P. H., Barrister-at-Law.
Outstanding Reports of the Medical Officer of Health published by the
Borough council:
1901. The Housing question in Finsbury.
1902. Bakehouses in Finsbury.
1903. The Milk supply of Finsbury.
1904. Infants Milk Depot.
1906. Infant Mortality in Finsbury.
1929. Housing conditions in Finsbury.
1900 The Voluntary notification of Phthisis initiated by the
Clerkenwell vestry was adopted by the Borough council.
1901-1904 An outbreak of anallpox involved many cases in Finsbury.
1904 A lady Sanitary Inspector appointed with duties in
connection with infant welfare corresponding to those of
a Health Visitor later.
An infants Milk Depot was established by a voluntary
organisation; this was shortly afterwards taken over
by the Borough Council.
1906 A severe epidemic of measles occurred which involved
Finsbury and was responsible for 115 deaths.
1907 The Notification of Births Act 1907 was adopted by the
Council.
1908 Two rudimentary infant welfare centres were opened as
weighing centres, with two lady sanitary Inspectors in
attendance.
1909 Two lady Health visitors appointed to work with the lady
Sanitary Inspectors.
1910 A special form of reconstituted milk with additional fat
and called Finsbury Cream was provided at cost price for
wasted and debilitated infants.
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