London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Coulsdon and Purley 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Coulsdon]
This page requires JavaScript
In addition, specimens submitted to detect and classify streptococci
were sent to the Emergency Service Laboratory, Westhill House, Westhill
Road, Epsom, while an arrangement existed whereby other pathological
specimens, the examination of which was of importance to the
public health, were examined by the pathologist to the Croydon General
Hospital. The scope of the Emergency Medical Service Laboratory has
now been widened, and most samples are sent there for examination.
In 1947 the following specimens were examined:—
At Epsom for streptococci 272
At Croydon General Hospital:
Blood for Widal Test 1
Faeces for typhoid, paratyphoid,etc. 2
The bacteriological examination of all samples of milk and all water
samples is carried out at the Emergency Medical Service Laboratory,
Flpsom, only water samples for chemical examination being sent elsewhere,
viz., to the Clinical Research Association.
DISINFECTION.
The disinfection of bedding, etc., is undertaken at the Wandle Valley
Hospital, while the disinfection of premises is carried out by the officers
of the Public Health Department.
For the convenience of ratepayers, the Council has decided to
arrange disinfection even when this is not essential in the interests of
public health, but in these cases the following charges are made:—
10s. per load of bedding, etc.; 5s. for the first room; and 2s. 6d.
for each additional room disinfected at the same time.
During 1947 the following disinfections were carried out:—
| Free of cost. | Upon payment. | T otal. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loads of bedding, etc. | 146 | 18 | 164 |
| Houses disinfected | 135 | — | 135 |
HEALTH PROPAGANDA.
Steady use was made of the opportunities for health propaganda at
the clinics and centres arranged by the Council, and during the visitation
of the Health Visitors and Sanitary Inspectors. The material provided
by the Central Council for Health Education and other bodies has been
extremely useful and is widely used.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
The Council has been responsible, since 1915, for the maternity and
child welfare work of this District, and in its attSmpt to minimise the
risks of childbirth and encourage the care and healthy development of
all children born or residing in the area, has taken the1 following
measures:—
29