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 1946
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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43
mothers are also accommodated. In addition, unmarried mothers are accommodated
in voluntary homes, some of which are grant-aided, and all of which are
inspected by the Council.
Medical examination of staff
The number of references made to the department for medical examination or
advice concerning the health of staff and suitability of applicants for appointment
was 15,134, compared with 14,900 in 1945. In addition 2,381 candidates for appointment
as teachers were examined at the request of the Ministry of Education, and
3,235 examinations were made on behalf of the Chief Regional Fire Officer (No. 5
Region) in connection with the recruitment of permanent firemen for the National
Fire Service. The Council's staff medical examiners have made 80 home visits for
the ascertainment of the fitness of staff unable to travel for examination.
During the year, under the war-time scheme whereby London personnel staying
in the provinces and provincial personnel temporarily domiciled in London are
examined locally, the provincial medical officers have examined 18 London staff
and London County Council medical officers have examined 11 persons at the
request of the provincial medical officers. This scheme still serves a useful purpose
and the help given to London by provincial medical officers of health is much
appreciated.
Chemical branch
The work of the chemical branch was carried on during the year at the three
laboratories, and Mr. C. J. Regan, the Chemist-in-Chief, has submitted the following
rp/nort:—
The number of samples examined in 1946 was 18,938, their classification being:—
| Air, tunnels, etc | 281 | Milk : liquid, condensed, dried | 317 |
| Air, sulphur in | 1,522 | Miscellaneous | 219 |
| Building materials | 114 | Oils, lubricating, fuel, etc. | 63 |
| Clays and subsoils | 145 | Paints | 99 |
| Coal and coke | 28 | Petroleum and allied statutory acts | 217 |
| Compost (manurial use), etc. | 36 | Rain water (atmospheric pollution) | 83 |
| Detergents | 34 | Sewage and effluent | 3,819 |
| Disinfectants | 51 | Sludge, primary and digested | 1,854 |
| Drugs and medical stores | 279 | Sludge, activated | 714 |
| Fertilisers and feeding stuffs | 105 | Water, steam raising plants | 1,655 |
| Floor oils and polishes | 36 | Water, drinking, chemical, bacteriological, etc. | 1,608 |
| Foods, groceries, etc. | 357 | ||
| Gases, dry cleaners, flue, etc. | 134 | Water, river, chemical, bacteriological, etc | 3,372 |
| Gases, sludge digestion plant | 305 | ||
| Gas liquor | 169 | Water, swimming bath, chemical, bacteriological, etc. | 594 |
| Insecticides | 16 | ||
| Lamps, gas detector | 387 | Total | 18,938 |
| Meals and vitamin assays | 305 | ||
| Metals | 20 |
Examination
of sa mples
A general indication of the origin of these samples and also of the consultative
and advisory work of the branch for the various executive services of the Council
follows.
The subject of nutrition was studied by the analysis of meals as to their fat,
protein, carbohydrate and mineral contents, and the determination of their calorific
value. On the vitamin side special assays were made of the vitamin C content and
the standards for and means of conserving it were considered and reported upon.
In view of the shortage of soap the subject of detergency was investigated, and the
use of a new type of synthetic detergent for washing-up introduced. The possibilities
of the " Lye " (caustic soda) process for peeling potatoes were also investigated.
Meals Service
Of the wide range of work undertaken for the housing service, that on the
examination of paints is particularly important on account of the difficulties in
Housing