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
City of London 1921
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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Table showing Occupations followed by 442 Females known to be suffering from Venereal Diseases.
| Occupations. | Number. | Occupations. | Number. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooks | 5 | Brought forward | 116 |
| Domestic servants | 11 | Sweet shop | 4 |
| Waitresses | 8 | Nursery Attendant | 1 |
| Grocery assistant | 1 | Barmaids | 2 |
| Tobacco factory | 6 | Typists and clerks | 26 |
| Laundry | 6 | Housewives | 262 |
| Babies and school children (under 14 years) | 47 | French polishers | 3 |
| Shop assistant | 1 | ||
| Brush maker | 1 | Lamp makers | 2 |
| Caretaker | 1 | Pipe polisher | 1 |
| Tailoresses | 8 | Meat preparation packer | 1 |
| Rubber cutter | 1 | Printing factory | 1 |
| Box makers | 4 | Flower sellers | 5 |
| Labeller | 1 | Office cleaners | 3 |
| Manicurist | 1 | Teachers (school) | 2 |
| Tin work | 1 | Milliners | 3 |
| Paint factory | 1 | Factory | 3 |
| Machinist | 4 | Book folder | 1 |
| Photo mounts | 1 | Stage | 1 |
| Stationery | 2 | Drapery, &c. | 3 |
| Painting | 2 | Bottle washer | 1 |
| Kitchen work | 4 | Total | 442 |
| Carried forward | 116 |
EXAMINATION FOR PATHOGENIC BACTERIA.
Any medical practitioner desiring examinations of specimens for Pathogenic
Bacteria in cases of suspected infectious disease occurring amongst their patients
residing in the City, should forward them to the Medical Officer of Health at the
Guildhall. Arrangements have been made for free examination, and the results
obtained are communicated as speedily as possible.
During the year the following specimens were so dealt with. It will be seen
that positive results were obtained in 8.25 per cent. of these cases.
Result.
Specimen. Disease suspected. Positive. Negative.
195 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria 15 180
11 Sputum Tuberculosis 2 9
Of the 195 swabbings from throats, 172 were received from the Central Foundation
School for Girls, Spital Square, E.C. These swabs were sent to the City
Pathologist in accordance with the arrangements between the City Corporation
and the London County Council. This school is situate partly in the City and
partly in the Metropolitan Borough of Shoreditch, and pupils attend from many
parts of the East and North.East of London, and also Boroughs and Urban districts
in Essex and Middlesex.
SMOKE AND ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
Ten instances of smoke nuisance or annoyance from chimneys were dealt with
during the year. Some of these were of a temporary character and did not recur,
others were abated upon the service of the usual form of notice upon the offenders
and there has been no occasion to take further action.
As mentioned in previous Reports, the annoyance and the evil from coal smoke
cannot satisfactorily be dealt with by law until the enactments at present in force
are strengthened or amended. The dirt and discomfort from smoke continues,
although in a lesser degree than in former years, and for which the enormous
numbers of the chimneys in surrounding Greater London are largely responsible.
Difficulties in the way of obtaining suitable coal and skilled labour are still a fruitful
source of trouble.
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