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ings were found at 28 premises; they were immediately withdrawn from
use and dealt with in accordance with the Ministry's advice.
In Westminster, containing as it does such a large number of premises
which deal in food for sale or service to the general public, the task
which confronted the staff of the department was of immense proportions,
but they performed these additional duties with very commendable
expedition and efficiency.
During this period many who had travelled to Westminster from
Aberdeen, or had had contact with persons who lived there, voluntarily
reported to the Public Health Department as a precautionary measure
for advice. Where considered necessary, surveillance was maintained
by officers of the Department. Happily, however, no case of typhoid
fever occurred in Westminster.
Public Hygiene
In June, 1964, arising out of events in Aberdeen, the Public Health
Committee felt that action was required to increase public awareness of
the necessity for improved standards of hygiene. The Committee therefore
approved the recommendations of the Medical Officer of Health that,
in order to obtain the widest possible publicity, the following steps should
be taken by the Public Health Department:—
(i) The proprietors of all food premises in Westminster should
be reminded of the requirements of the Food Hygiene (General)
Regulations, 1960. A copy of a Guide to these Regulations published
by the Central Council for Health Education was sent or handed to
each proprietor.
(ii) The owners and occupiers of all premises in Westminster to
which the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, applied
were sent or handed a copy of the Guide to that Act published by the
same body.
(iii) With the concurrence of the Standing Committees concerned,
posters were displayed at all Council premises, as had been done in
previous health education campaigns.
(iv) In order further to stimulate public interest, meetings were
arranged between members and officers of the Council and representatives
of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce, the various Street
Associations, etc., with a view to discussing the requirements relating
to food hygiene in all food and catering premises, offices, shops, etc.,
in Westminster.
Puerperal Pyrexia
Thirty-six notifications of puerperal pyrexia were received during
1964. All the cases occurred in hospitals; nineteen were in respect of
persons normally resident in Westminster.