London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Orpington 1959

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Orpington]

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Local Sickness.

The following is a summary of the weekly details received from the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance during 1959:—

Four weeks endingNumber of First certificates of incapacity received
27th January1,128
24th February2,268
24th March1,345
21st April655
19th May586
16th June546
14th July554
11th August490
8th September445
6th October592
3rd November685
1st December888
29th December645

These figures once again followed the expected trend, namely,
the highest incidence of illness occurred during the first three
months of the year, the lowest level was reached in August, after
which it began to rise again.
Medical Examinations.
Seventy-seven members or potential members of the staff were
medically examined during the year.
Unemployment.
I am indebted to the Manager of the Orpington Employment
Exchange for the following information with regard to unemployment
in the area during 1959:—
"The position from January, 1959, showed a steady decrease
in the number of unemployed during each month, and they are
likely to go down further with the work in the area. The main
demands are for good building trade workers. The demands for
the Christmas season in the Post Office and retail shops gradually
reduced the unemployed figures, and in December to the lowest
during the year. The good weather during the year would appear
to be the most important contributory factor."