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 1964
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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The nine cases referred to their doctor in 1964 had been found to have the following micro-organisms:
| Condition | Organism isolated |
|---|---|
| Discharging ears | Staphylococcus aureus |
| Enteritis | Shigella sonnei |
| Enteritis | Salmonella typhi |
| Vomiting | Salmonella tenessee |
| Scarlet fever contact (4) | Haemolytic streptococcus |
| Dysentery contact | Shigella sonnei |
Staff medical examinations
The number of staff medically examined on entry to the service or following prolonged
sickness has increased considerably in the past 15 years, the greatest change being, of course,
in the larger number of recruits to the service. Medical examinations reached a total of
13,832 in 1964 compared with 5,768 in 1953. Another significant change has been the
casualties (i.e., staff requiring treatment whilst on duty), which have risen to over three
times the 318 treated in 1953. Details for the past four years are set out below.
Medical examination of staff—
| 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of medical examinations | 14,410 | 14,265 | 14,186 | 16,284 |
| Number of recommendations without medical examination | 1,384 | 1,111 | 1,138 | 1,200 |
| Number of follow-ups (i.e. usually hospital or specialist reports) | 5,292 | 5,541 | 5,120 | 4,749 |
| Number of medical examinations carried out for other authorities | 135 | 125 | 148 | 185 |
| Total | 21,221 | 21,042 | 20,592 | 22,418 |
Reason for medical examination (persons)
| Candidates for employment | 11,388 | 11,536 | 11,853 | 13,832 |
| Following prolonged sick leave | 2,993 | 3,010 | 3,356 | 3,035 |
| Following accident on duty | 541 | 470 | 375 | 439 |
| Fitness for duty (e.g. approaching confinement leave, special duties) | 570 | 659 | 422 | 511 |
| Eligibility for spouse pension | 86 | 80 | 89 | 120 |
| Total | 15,578 | 15,755 | 16,095 | 17,937 |
| Candidates examined for the Council by other authorities | 72 | 104 | 157 | 94 |
| Staff casualties dealt with in the medical inspection rooms at County Hall | 863 | 1,058 | 1,017 | 967 |