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
St Pancras 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St. Pancras, Metropolitan Borough]
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The following are comparable percentages of successful vaccinations :—
1940 33.4
1941 43.6
1942 54.7
1943 57.2
1944 55.5
1945 55.5
1946 61.1
It will be seen that the total number of children born in the borough during 1946 was
3,205, a figure which includes not only births of St. Pancras residents, but of persons living in
other boroughs who entered hospitals in the borough for their confinement. Of these, 1,958
were vaccinated, a percentage of 61.1.
The number of St. Pancras births was 3,125, of which 1,860 were vaccinated, a percentage
of 59.5.
Whooping Cough.
484 cases were notified by medical practitioners, as compared with 511 for 1946, and 19
were not subsequently confirmed. An additional 82 cases came to the notice of the department
and were visited. There were seven deaths.
Bacteriological Examinations.
To aid in diagnosis and to detect contact or carrier cases, the borough council provides
bacteriological diagnosis free of charge in connection with certain diseases.
This work is carried out under contract by the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, 23, Queen Square W.C.I.
| Positive | Negative | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria bacilli | 4 | 380 | 384 |
| Tubercle bacilli | 7 | 99 | 106 |
| Dysentery | — | 4 | 4 |
| Hæmolytic Streptococci | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Totals | 12 | 484 | 496 |
CLEANSING, DISINFECTING AND RODENT CONTROL.
In April, 1947, the work of cleansing, disinfection and rodent control was transferred
from Camley Street, N.W.I, to the Public Health Department Annexe, Prospect Terrace,
W.C.I (Tel. No. Terminus 8567). The new premises, converted from bomb-damaged flats
and slipper baths, provide much better facilities for the treatment of scabies and vermin,
and the modem equipment has increased the speed and efficiency of the disinfection of
contaminated articles.
Although a marked improvement on the old Cleansing and Disinfecting Station, it must
be emphasised that the Annexe is the conversion of an existing building undertaken in difficult
times, and the provision of purpose-built premises should be the aim of the future.
(4626) c