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 1959

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]

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Table: Medical examinations—Numbers of staff medically examined for various purposes, with the result of the examination, follow:

Medical examinations—Numbers of staff medically examined for various purposes, with the result of the examination, follow:

195719581959195719581959
Candidates fit for appointment6,2867,5317,399Eligibility for spouse pensions262429
Candidates unfit for permanent appointment285401343Staff casualties240315309
Candidates for out-county authorities65100111
Referrals (ill-health)7,2686,7197,252
Permanently unfit to carry out their ordinary duties245323331Candidates examined for the Council by out-county medical officers of health77138111
Advice given (without examination)1,3781,6211,595

Table: Food handlers—During the year 469 food handlers were referred for investigation because they had been in contact with or had suffered from certain infectious diseases. Bacteriological examination was arranged where appropriate.

Food handlers—During the year 469 food handlers were referred for investigation because they had been in contact with or had suffered from certain infectious diseases. Bacteriological examination was arranged where appropriate.

195719581959
Contacts107137167
III270266302
Allowed to resume work after examination or fixed period of exclusion360388451
Resigned—98
Excluded from work and referred to own doctor for treatment17610

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The 10 cases referred to their doctor had been found to have the following microorganisms
:
Condition Organism isolated
Diarrhoea convalescent Shigella sonne
Dysentery convalescent „ „
Dysentery contacts (2) „ „
Food poisoning contact Salmonella enteridis
Gastro-enteritis convalescent Shigella sonne
Gastro-enteritis contacts (2) „ „
Gastro-enteritis contact Salmonella paratyphi B
Scarlet fever contact Streptococcus pyogenes
Retirements, etc.—My predecessor's report for the year 1950 mentioned the retirement,
at the age of 66, of Dr. Verner Wiley, who had been in charge of staff medical examinations
and of work under the Mental Deficiency Acts since 1935 and had served with the Council
from 1920. Formal retirement, however, did not sever Dr. Wiley's connection with the
Council and its staff and he continued to undertake staff medical examination work on a
part-time basis until October, 1959, when ill health compelled him to give up. Dr. Wiley
had always put his wealth of experience and sound advice freely at the disposal of his
colleagues, to the great benefit of the service.
On 13 April, 1959 Mr. H. E. Beresford Mash, a dental officer in the Council's service,
was appointed as Assistant to the Chief Dental Officer on a half time basis, the remainder
of his time being devoted to orthodontic clinical work.
I report with regret the death of Mr. G. J. Newton, Divisional Administrative Officer,
Division 1, at the age of 56 years. Mr. T. A. Stone, Divisional Administrative Officer,
Division 6, was transferred to take his place and Mr. L. M. Longhurst was appointed
Divisional Administrative Officer, Division 6.
On 14 August, 1959 Mr. H. J. Norton, m.b.e., Divisional Administrative Officer, Division
2, since July, 1948 retired after nearly 48 years in the Council's service and his place was
taken by Mr. N. A. Woodruff.
On 31 July, 1959 Miss K. M. Roe, Divisional Nursing Officer, Division 5, retired.
She was transferred to the Council's service in July, 1948 from the Royal Borough of
Kensington where she had been Superintendent Health Visitor since 1938.
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