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

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Greenwich 1954

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

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108
Mass Radiography.—In London, Mass Radiography was
originally carried out under the direction of the London County
Council, but since January 1948 the responsibility for this service has
rested with the South East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board.
Introduced primarily for the early detection of Tuberculosis,
the Mass Radiography service is responsible for revealing many
other chest malformations and disabilities which would doubtless
have remained undetected perhaps for years.
As a direct consequence of the diagnosis of these ailments
treatment is made possible at a very early stage, thereby enabling
a much more favourable prognosis to be entertained.
No public survey was carried out during the current year but
arrangements are being made for one to be effected during March
and April of the coming year.
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
Adults1784
Children under school age1034
School children48625
No. of home visits by Lady Sanitary Inspector38
No. of home revisits by Lady Sanitary Inspector116

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 :—