London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of Westminster 1946

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]

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Council's Health Visitors who carried out the survey on behalf of the Royal
College. The report of thin survey is awaited with interest.
HUNGURFORD CLUB
During the war the City Council, with the consent of the Civil Defence
Regional Commissioners, instituted a club for the peculiar and mentally abnormal
outcasts who were huddling in arches, stables, wine vaults, etc. in the City.
Premises were adapted in Hurigerford Lane end the Club was operated and managed by
the West London Mission under the general supervision of the Medical Officer of
Health. In. 1946 the West London Mission, secured new premises in Lambeth and the
Club was transferred to that area in March 1946 where it continues the useful
work it had previously performed in Westminster.

DISINFESTATION

The number of persons treated at the Council's Disinfecting Station during the year for head lice, body lice, or scabies were:-

Children463
Adults781
1,244
Number of treatments given:2,025.

A trained nurse is employed at the Disinfecting Station to supervise all
the work connected with the cleansing of women and children. Schoolchildren
are dealt with by nurses employed by the London County Council, but
co-ordination between the staff of the City Council and those of the County
Council is very satisfactory, so that families can be treated at the same time.
The Council's Health Visitors have continued to give the Subject of personal
hygiene, including infestation by head lino, special observation and Instruction
both in the home and at the Centres. Where necessary, suitable combs for use
in the home have been supplied.
DISINFESTATION OF PREMISES
The cyanide treatment of furniture and effects of families to be rehoused
has been carried out where necessary and 38 cases were treated in this manner
during the year. Occupied rooms are disinfested by the spray method, whilst
bedding and other fabrics are submitted to steam disinfection. The effects of
257 households were dealt with during the year.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES
As in the previous year the sanitary circumstances for 1946 continue to
relate in a marked degree in housing. The programme of adaptation of empty
houses, repair of damaged property, and maintenance of repairs has been
continued, the Sanitary Inspectors having dealt with the following aspects
of the housing problem.
Difficulties and delays due to shortage of essential materials and
building labour. have been numerous and unavoidable but steady progress has been
maintained.
(1) Survey and inspection of empty properties with a view to requisitioning
1,562 inspections and 467 re-inspections of properties.
(2) 1,997 inspections of promises for certification of building licences mostly
arising from War damage, all in relation to the provision of housing or
business premises of special character, e.g. catering establishments.
(3) Special inspection relating to plans of drainage and sanitary fittings.