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
East Barnet 1946
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Barnet]
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| No. of Houses | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | 1945 | |
| Scullery sinks renewed | 2 | 4 |
| Waste pipes repaired or renewed | 22 | 10 |
| Defective window sills repaired | 27 | 10 |
| Dilapidated dustbins renewed | 125 | 90 |
| Defective sub-floor ventilation remedied | 16 | 7 |
| Skirting boards repaired or replaced | 3 | 4 |
| Verminous premises fumigated, etc. | 27 | 15 |
| Choked drains cleared | 36 | 56 |
| Defective vent pipes repaired | 8 | 5 |
| Broken inspection chamber covers replaced | 12 | 4 |
| Drains repaired or relaid | 37 | 9 |
| W.C.'s., fittings repaired or renewed | 64 | 40 |
| Storage cisterns cleansed | 4 | 7 |
| Cisterns repaired or renewed | 8 | 10 |
| Water supply re-instated after being cut off | 4 | 8 |
| Water pipes repaired | 14 | 12 |
| Accumulation of refuse removed | 4 | 7 |
| Nuisances arising from the keeping of animals, poultry, etc., remedied | 3 | 7 |
| Smoke nuisances remedied | 1 | 1 |
| Cases of overcrowding abated | — | 1 |
| Exterior paving repaired or relaid | 14 | 6 |
| Hot water systems repaired | 9 | 3 |
| Chimney pots and flues repaired | 4 | 6 |
| Insufficient water supply remedied | 3 | 8 |
| Defective covers to water tanks replaced | 4 | 5 |
| Lavatory basins renewed | 3 | — |
Rat Destruction.
One hundred and thirty-four complaints of rat infestation were
received, all of which were investigated and advice given as to the
best methods of dealing with them. All the premises affected were
repeatedly visited until finally cleared of rats. Many cases were
also visited by the staff of the County Pests Officer at our request,
and I must again acknowledge the valuable assistance and cordial
co-operation of Mr. Sharp and his staff. There were no heavy infestations
and all could be classed as belonging to the "Minor
Secondary " type.
Verminous Houses.
Twenty-seven privately owned houses were found to be infested
with bed bugs. All were disinfested by stripping and burning wallpaper
and spraying with "Zaldecide" or Coopers D.D.T. liquid
insecticide after loosening or removal of picture rails, skirting boards
and architraves, followed where necessary by sealing and fumigation
by sulphur of the infested rooms.