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
Islington 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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| Date of Hearing | Address | Offence | Result of Proceedings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.12.47 | 31, Lesly Street, N.7 | Defective rainwater gutters and wall plaster. Wall damp. | 84 days' Order. |
| 4.12.47 | 35, Lesly Street, N.7 | (1) Defective walls, ceilings; chimney breast; windows; balusters; W.C.; flushing cistern; rainwater pipe; fire-range and grates. Accumulation of rubbish. | 84 days' Order. |
| (2) Verminous rooms. | Adjourned. | ||
| 4.12.47 | 37, Lesly Street, N.7 | (1) Defective roofs; gutters; rainwater pipes; sink waste pipe; walls and ceiling plaster; window and handrail. Firegrate dangerous. Dampness. | 84 days' Order. |
| (2) Verminous rooms | Adjourned. | ||
| 4.12.47 | 41, Lesly Street, N.7 | W.C. floor dangerous. Defective fireplace. | 84 days' Order. |
Scabies and Vermin.
The Scabies Order 1941 and Defence Regulation 33a, which were introduced as
an emergency wartime mea.sure to combat an exceptional increase of Scabies, was
rescinded by the Ministry of Health on the 31st December, 1947. It was not
considered warrantable to keep in force the powers of entry into residential premises
and compulsory examination and treatment which were authorised under the Order.
Following the rescindment of the Order powers for dealing with persons affected with
Scabies and vermin would be those given in the Public Health Acts.
Since the inception of the Scabies Order in 1941 it was not found necessary,
fortunately, to use the Order on many occasions although it proved useful with
a few exceptionally difficult families. Though the Order has been rescinded,
Scabies continues to be notifiable under the County of London (Scabies) Regulations,
1943.
Scabies Order, 1941.
During 1947 the following Notices were served :—
| Notice A (inspection of premises) | 6 |
| Notice B (medical examination) | 16 |
| Notice C (cleansing) | 2 |
Legal proceedings were instituted in three cases during the year. Each case
was adjourned for a week to enable the defendants to comply with the requirements
of the Order, which they did. At the resumed hearings each case was dismissed and
each defendant was ordered to pay one guinea costs.
Benzyl benzoate continues to be the treatment of choice for Scabies and
proprietory 2 per cent. D.D.T. emulsion for the treatment of verminous heads. Both
of these preparations have given extremely satisfactory results for their respective
purposes.
Complicated cases of Scabies and special cases referred by the general practitioners
continue to be seen by the Council's consulting dermatologist, Dr. Marre, at the
Scabies Clinic, which is held weekly.