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
Wandsworth 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]
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78
Laundry service for incontinent persons
During the year 5,749 bags each containing about 10 lb. of
soiled linen were collected and the contents laundered and
returned to the owners. This valuable service continues to be
in great demand by old and inform persons.
Coroner's Court and Mortuary
Details of post-mortem examinations and inquests held at the
Coroner's Court, and of bodies received into the mortuary during
1972, are set out in the following table:-
TABLE 23
| Details of bodies received | Usual place of residence | Totals | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wandsworth | Merton | Elsewhere | Unknown | ||
| Post-mortem only | 669 | 324 | 161 | 45 | 1,199 |
| Post-mortem and inquest | 79 | 34 | 45 | 7 | 165 |
| Total post-mortems | 748 | 358 | 206 | 52 | 1,364 |
| Inquest only | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total inquests | 79 | 34 | 45 | 7 | 165 |
| Total bodies received | 748 | 358 | 206 | 52 | 1,364 |
| Verdicts at Inquests held— | |||||
| Accidental/misadventure | 36 | 17 | 33 | 2 | 88 |
| Alcoholism | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Natural causes | 3 | — | 2 | — | 5 |
| Open verdict | — | 1 | 3 | — | 4 |
| Suicide | 34 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 55 |
| Homicide | 2 | 3 | 2 | — | 7 |
| Drug addiction | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Totals | 79 | 34 | 45 | 7 | 165 |
In addition to the above, a further 75 inquests were held at
the Coroner's Court although the bodies were not required to be
received in the mortuary.