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

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Greenwich 1953

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

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110
In 1951 I commented on the poor response afforded the Mass
Radiography Unit on its previous visit to the Borough and again I
find it necessary to point out that far too small a proportion of the
residents avail themselves of this service. Routine chest examination
as exemplified by the Unit is probably the most effective
method for the discovery of incipient tuberculosis and as such should
be one of the cardinal items in preventive medicine.
Verminous Conditions.—The procedure adopted to combat
infestation by lice and general verminous conditions is essentially
the same.
In addition to the notified cases of Scabies, all suspected cases
are followed up and the homes visited by the Lady Sanitary
Inspector who gives advice and instruction concerning treatment.

Treatment for all cases is carried out at the Tunnel Avenue Cleansing Station and the following Return summarises the work carried out during the year :—

Attendances
VerminScabies
Adults12126
Children under school age894
School children47658
No. of home visits by Lady Sanitary Inspector61
No. of home revisits by Lady Sanitary Inspector147

Disinfection.—The disinfection of rooms is effected by the
formaldehyde spray. This is carried out on removal of the infectious
case or termination of the illness, and, on request, for conditions
other than notifiable. In cases of request a charge is made according
to the circumstances of the case. Bedding and wearing apparel
can be removed to the Disinfecting Station, Tunnel Avenue, where
they can be submitted to steam disinfection. Books may be
treated with formalin.
The following Return shows in detail the work carried out
during the year :—