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
Lewisham 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]
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MORTUARIES, CREMATIONS, BURIALS AND EXHUMATIONS
Mortuaries
The two public mortuaries situated in the Borough serve other areas as well as
Lewisham.
The number of bodies received during the year is shown below:—
| Lewisham Mortuary | Deptford Mortuary | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodies received from hospitals etc. | 678 | 526 | 1,204 |
| Others | 510 | 295 | 805 |
| Totals | 1,188 | 821 | 2,009 |
Cremations and Burials
The following statistics relating to cremations and burials are for the year 1st April,
1971 to 31st March, 1972:—
| Cemetery | No. of burials |
|---|---|
| Hither Green | 956 |
| Grove Park | 234 |
| Ladywell | 57 |
| Brockley | 61 |
| Total | 1,308 |
There were 1,740 cremations carried out at Hither Green Crematorium after
certifications by the Medical Officer of Health or deputy as Crematorium Referee.
One exhumation took place at a Council cemetery during the year.
MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR LONG.STAY IMMIGRANTS
At ports of arrival long-stay immigrants, both Commonwealth and alien, are
referred to medical inspectors and given a pamphlet printed in languages which
they are likely to understand. This is to encourage them to register with a medical
practitioner in their place of residence so that he can arrange for them to go to a
mass radiography unit, a chest clinic or a hospital for X-ray.
The Health Department is notified of the names and addresses of immigrants
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