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 1928
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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In a certain stage of metamorphosis of members of the group of mites to which Baker's
Itch belong, the mites attach themselves to associated flies and other insects (e.g., meal
moth), either parasitically or non-parasitically, as a means of dissemination. The problem,
therefore, becomes one of insect-free food rather than the removal of a chance sufferer from
itch, which really does not touch the root of the matter.
Since Baker's Itch is an indication of the excessive presence of worm and insect-infested
flour at the source of supply or at a bakehouse, it would seem that modern methods of
disinfestation of infested premises would be the appropriate Public Health approach to the
subject. The idea that a baker in any degree of this state should be mixing dough or engaged
in the manufacture of foodstuffs in any form is, of course, unpleasant, but I felt compelled
to advise the Sanitary Committee against the support of piecemeal legislation, as I am of
opinion that the subject of Baker's Itch, when the time is ripe for legislation, should be
merged in the larger subject of disease and cleanliness in relation to all foodstuffs, which the
introduction of legislation dealing with one section of the matter only might retard.
This subject of the cleanly handling and manufacture of foods is, I believe, before the
Ministry of Health at the present moment, and Baker's Itch will, doubtless, receive consideration
in connection with any projected statutory methods of control.
TUBERCULOSIS.
For some few years, facts have gradually been accumulating which suggested that the
hours during which the Tuberculosis Dispensary, which is established at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital by the City Corporation, was open to receive patients needed revision.
With the approval of the Ministry of Health and the authorities of St. Bartholomew's
Hospital, the following sessions have been arranged in lieu of those previously operating:—
Tuesdays 12.30 p.m.—2.30 p.m.
2.30 p.m.—4.30 p.m. For the Artificial Pneumothorax Clinic.
Wednesdays 5.0 p.m.—7.0 p.m.
Thursdays 11.30 a.m. (New cases only).
Fridays 2.0 p.m.—3.0 p.m.
Appropriate notice of the change was given to City Medical Practitioners, residents
and employers of labour, and I am pleased to be able to report that the advantage anticipated
has, in fact, been experienced.
In all, 252 sessions have been held, and, in addition, the Tuberculosis Officer has visited
cases at their homes when necessary.
New Patients.—The number of new patients examined was 403, as compared with
435 last year.
| Resident. | Non-Resident. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referred to X-Ray Department | 11 | 75 | 86 |
| ,, Surgical ,, | l | 1 | 2 |
| ,, Dental ,, | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| ,, Throat „ | 3 | 15 | 18 |
| „ Pathological „ | ... | 2 | 2 |
| „ Other „ | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| 22 | 101 | 123 |
Patients Admitted to the Hospital for Diagnosis.—The wards of the Hospital are available
for the reception of cases presenting difficulties of diagnosis, which can only be overcome
by observation as In-patients. Five resident and two non-resident patients were admitted
for this purpose.
Examination of Sputum.—The following is a summary:—
City Residents. Non-Residents. Total.
Positive 4 15 19
Negative 18 127 145
Residential Treatment.-—The number of patients for whom residential treatment was
arranged was 70.
Admitted to Poor Law Other St. Columbas Hosp.
L.C.C. Institutions. Institutions. Institutions. Corpn. Expense. Total.
Patients resident in the City 9 3 3 2 17
Patients non-resident 42 2 9 — 53
51 5 12 2 70