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
Hammersmith 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
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Coroner's Court & Public Mortuary
The accommodation provided comprises Court, Jury Room, and suite of offices for the
Coroner and his officers; a modern post-mortem room with four tables; refrigerated accommodation
for eighteen bodies; and office accommodation for the Pathologist and Mortuary Superintendent.
A large waiting room comfortably furnished, and a viewing room are also available for the Public.
The Mortuary was used by the neighbouring Boroughs of Ealing, Hillingdon, and Hounslow
whilst their own mortuaries were closed during the annual leave period. Inquests were held in
the Court in respect of Ealing, Hillingdon, and Hounslow cases throughout the year, in addition
to Hammersmith.
The number of bodies admitted to the Mortuary during the year was 757, an increase of 82
over 1966. There were 753 post-mortem examinations, an increase of 83 over the previous year.
In all 307 inquests were held at the Coroner's Court compared with 279 the previous year.
Details are set out below:
Bodies admitted from the Borough:-
| By order of the Coroner | 614 | |
| On application of Undertakers | 4 | 618 |
| Bodies admitted from other Boroughs:- | ||
| Ealing (by order of Coroner) | 77 | |
| Hounslow (by order of Coroner) | 34 | |
| Hillingdon (by order of Coroner) | 28 | 139 |
| 757 | ||
| No. of post-mortem examinations conducted:- | ||
| Hammersmith cases | 614 | |
| Ealing cases | 77 | |
| Hounslow cases | 34 | |
| Hillingdon cases | 28 | |
| Total Post-mortems | 753 | |
| No. of inquests held:- | ||
| Hammersmith cases | 104 | |
| Ealing cases | 57 | |
| Hounslow cases | 82 | |
| Hillingdon cases | 64 | |
| Total Inquests held | 307 | |