Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]
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15
1893
1894
1895
For the next three years this Temporary Hospital, with an
additional bed was the only means of isolation.
1896.—At the beginning of the year representations were made to your
Council by the Medical Officer of Health to the Essex
County Council, proposing that this district should
combine with Walthamstow in building a joint Permanent
Hospital, for the treatment of Infectious Diseases
in both districts. The site suggested was at Chingford,
at least 5 or 6 miles distant from our most crowded and
populous Wards.
Meetings were held conjointly by the two Councils,
but no definite result was obtained. In accordance with
instructions I presented a Report on the Amalgamation
Scheme, in which I most strongly disapproved of any
such scheme, as being disadvantageous to our district.
I was also instructed to report on the necessary
accommodation required by such a district as this,
should it be found necessary to build a Permanent
Hospital.
April, 1896.—It was not, however, until April that any definite steps
were taken. At this time there was a constant demand
upon the resources of the Hospital, which was evidently
becoming quite inadequate, and as the Sewage Destructor
was approaching completion, it was necessary to
do away with the then existing Hospital. Consequently,
it was resolved by your Council that an iron structure
should be erected on the adjoining land, of larger
capacity, and providing accommodation for more than
one infectious ditease.
July. Objections were made to the site, and I drew up a
Report upon the subject, and eventually the present
building was erected, and was opened for the reception of
patients on September 26th.
September. The whole buildings were thrown open to the public
during the week previous to the latter date, and a very
large number of ratepayers and others took the opportunity
to inspect the building, and a great deal of
satisfaction was expressed.
The following is a description of the Hospital:—
The buildings, the sites of which are all covered with 6-ins. of
Portland Cement Concrete, comprise three large WARD BLOCKS