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
London County Council 1924
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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49
The total attendances were 589,002, and the ratio of attendances to venereal
cases is in the proportion of 32 attendances to each new case. This is noteworthy
when it is borne in mind that in those countries where venereal diseases are compulsorily
notifiable, the ratio of attendances to new cases has never been greater
than the figures which are shown for London under the voluntary system adopted
in this country.
Comparative figures for the seven years the scheme has been in force are shown in the following table:—
| Year. | New cases. | Total. | Attendances. | In-patient days. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venereal. | Non-venereal. | ||||
| 1917 | 13,025 | 2,360 | 15,385 | 120,659 | 63,923 |
| 1918 | 13,679 | 2,693 | 16,372 | 169,485 | 66,095 |
| 1919 | 23,147 | 5,118 | 28,265 | 307,722 | 73,211 |
| 1920 | 24,454 | 6,592 | 31,046 | 464,033 | 81,612 |
| 1921 | 19,368 | 6,050 | 25,418 | 496,209 | 79,692 |
| 1922 | 17,763 | 5,950 | 23,713 | 529,003 | 112,564 |
| 1923 | 19,006 | 6,644 | 25,650 | 555,509 | 106,662 |
| 1924 | 18,281 | 7,292 | 25,573 | 589,002 | 102,456 |
Attention is also drawn to the very large number of non-venereal patients who
present themselves for examination. This appears to indicate quite clearly that
the general public is appreciating more and more the efforts which have been, and
are being, made to spread far and wide a knowledge of the serious nature and grave
after effects of the venereal diseases.
Another point worthy of note is the total number of examinations made of pathological specimens. Comparative figures for the seven years are shown in the following table.
| Year. | Pathological examinations. | |
|---|---|---|
| For treatment centres. | For private practitioners. | |
| 1917 | 13,988 | 3,649 |
| 1918 | 25,973 | 6,380 |
| 1919 | 51,554 | 10,464 |
| 1920 | 58,920 | 14,027 |
| 1921 | 66,134 | 18,472 |
| 1922 | 74,022 | 19,836 |
| 1923 | 69,784 | 24,403 |
| 1924 | 79,005 | 24,797 |
The increased use made by medical practitioners of the facilities for the
examination of pathological specimens is highly satisfactory. Under the Scheme,
medical practitioners who fulfil certain conditions, are entitled to free supplies of
the approved arseno-benzol preparations for the treatment of their private patients.
The number of medical practitioners availing themselves of this service is now
405, as compared with 108 at the end of 1917, the first year of the operation of
the Scheme.
Hostel accommodation.—During the first year of the operation of the Council's
scheme, the necessity was recognised for hostel accommodation where young
women and children under treatment could be lodged during the period of infectivity.
Certain hostels managed by or independently of hospitals, have received
grants in aid for this purpose, and experience has proved the value of these hostels
for the more efficient treatment of certain cases and for preventing the spread of
disease. During the year 1924 the number of patients dealt with at these institutions
from the areas in the scheme was 266, the aggregate number of days in
residence being 25,987.
Details of the progress made with the several represented insanitary areas
and the housing schemes undertaken by the Council will be seen on reference to
Chapter XXVII.
Housing
Acts.
The table on p. 50 shows the houses in each borough m 1924; the number
repaired under Section 28 of the Housing Act of 1919 ; certain other particulars as