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
Leyton 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]
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73
Dwelling houses improved.
The following table contains a summary of the nature of work executed and improvements effected in dwelling houses and other premises as a result of the aforementioned action (formal and informal) taken under the Statutory Powers.
| Cement work to sink waste gullies repaired | 55 |
| Choked drains cleared | 37 |
| Coppers repaired or renewed | 4 |
| Dampness remedied | 423 |
| Drains relaid or partly relaid | 63 |
| Floors repaired | 165 |
| Guttering repaired or renewed | 261 |
| Miscellaneous defects remedied | 351 |
| New w.c. pans and traps provided | 53 |
| Plaster repaired | 567 |
| Rain water pipes repaired or renewed | 102 |
| Roofs repaired or renewed | 636 |
| Rooms redecorated | 240 |
| Sashcords renewed | 230 |
| Sinks provided | 16 |
| Sink waste pipes repaired or renewed | 70 |
| Stoves repaired or renewed | 144 |
| Vent pipes repaired or renewed | 28 |
| W.C. cisterns repaired or renewed | 118 |
| Window sills, etc., repaired | 270 |
| Yards paved | 18 |
| 3,851 |
Drainage.
During the year drainage systems of some 116 houses were
repaired or reconstructed, wholly or in part. In 79 cases the public
sewer was involved, and the work was carried out by the Council
under the supervision of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor, the
expenses incurred thereby being recovered from the owners.
Rodent Control.
(i) Work carried out during 1953.
During 1953 some 443 complaints relating to infestation by
rats and mice were investigated by the Health Department Staff—
651 private houses and 134 business premises were dealt with.
The total number of visits, in connection with these investigations
and subsequent disinfestation work, amounted to 4,251.