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
Poplar 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Poplar, Metropolitan Borough]
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17
Modernisation of Mortuary and Installation of Refrigerating Chamber.
The Public Health Committee considered alternative schemes prepared
by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor. Plans were prepared and a
rebuilding scheme was approved, at an estimated cost of £4,918. The
Minister of Health and the London County Council conferred as to their
respective parts of the loan for which sanction was necessary and approval
was obtained (1) from the Minister of Health in respect of £2,244 for the
post-mortem examination room, and (2) from the London County Council
in respect of £2,674 for the mortuary.
Temporary arrangements.
Arrangements have been made with the London County Council for
the temporary use of the mortuary accommodation at the Poplar
Institution during the rebuilding of the Council's Mortuary. The Council's
Mortuary Keeper will be responsible for the reception of bodies and
attendance at post-mortem examinations.
The number of bodies deposited in the Council's Mortuary, Cottage Street, Poplar, during the year was 485:—
| Residents | Non-Residents* | Totals | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | Females | Males | Females | ||
| Age not stated (i.e. unknown, newly born) | 3 | 3 | 11 | 12 | 29 |
| Stillborn | 1 | — | — | 1 | 2 |
| Under 1 year | 2 | 5 | 2 | — | 9 |
| 1 to 5 years | 3 | 3 | 2 | — | 8 |
| 5 to 15 years | 8 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 22 |
| 15 to 25 years | 8 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 17 |
| 25 to 45 years | 18 | 11 | 22 | 8 | 59 |
| 45 to 65 years | 41 | 17 | 56 | 35 | 149 |
| 65 years and upwards | 51 | 38 | 59 | 42 | 190 |
| Totals | 135 | 81 | 165 | 104 | 485 |
*Brought from outside the Borough for the convenience of the Coroner.
Inquests were held on 265 (post-mortem examinations, 175), and 213
other post-mortem examinations were made by order of the Coroner. The
total number of post-mortem examinations made was 388. Seven bodies
were brought from Fever Hospitals to the Mortuary for custody.
In several instances post-mortem examinations were made at
the Poplar Mortuary and inquests held at either the Stepney or
Shored itch Coroner's Court.