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
Lambeth 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lambeth Borough]
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107
CONTROL OF FOXES
Foxes have been seen in the Streatham, Norwood and Herne Hill areas
but as yet no evidence exists that they constitute a health hazard or serious
nuisance.
DISINFECTION AND DISINFESTATION
It is now rare that disinfection is required in the home following an infectious
disease, but the disinfection of articles in the stoving apparatus at Wanless Road
Depot is still necessary, and the numbers of articles dealt with are as follows >-
| (a) Hospitals, Treatment Centres, etc. | 2,520 |
| (b) Tuberculosis Hostel | 9,000 |
| (c) Public Libraries (Books) | 229 |
The disinfestation of premises for insects continues to be a major part of
the work of the disinfecting staff and during the year 4,913 rooms were sprayed.
Laundry Service for Incontinent Persons
The collection and delivery of laundry in this service is made by the Disinfecting
Staff. 52,003 articles were collected from 275 clients.
CONTROL OF FOOD AND DRUGS ON SALE IN LAMBETH
Samples of food and drugs on sale are regularly submitted to the Public
Analyst for chemical examination and to the Public Health Laboratory Service for
bacteriological examination.
1,582 informal and 103 formal samples of food yielded unsatisfactory reports
from the Public Analyst in respect of 54 on analysis and 36 on labelling.
CONTROL OF IMPORTED FOOD
Some food is imported directly into the country at a wharf in the Borough.
Physical, chemical or bacteriological examination of the food is made before it
is released for distribution for sale, any unsatisfactory consignments being
destroyed, processed and repacked, re-exported or released for animal feeding
under strict control.