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
Penge 1903
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Penge]
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17
Five lots of bedding, not being worth disinfecting, were
burnt.
I may mention that an arrangement has been made
whereby the Librarian of the Public Library has the
addresses of all premises where cases of infectious disease
occur. Should there be any books belonging to the
Library on the premises, they are taken away and disinfected
before being allowed to circulate again, or destroyed.
The following list shows the number of rooms fumigated, and of beds and other articles disinfected during the year.
| Number of rooms fumigated | 77 |
| „ beds disinfected | 96 |
| „ blankets „ | 125 |
| „ pillows „ | 178 |
| „ sheets „ | 73 |
| „ miscellaneous articles | 566 |
| Total | 1,115 |
HOUSE-TO-HOUSE INSPECTION.
This important work has been proceeded with during
the year; 609 houses were inspected, and in 413 cases
it was necessary to serve notices. Some of the defects
were of a minor character, but were a source of discomfort
or a nuisance to the occupier.
The principal defects remedied were 116 leaky roofs,
73 defective flushing apparatus, 92 broken ashpits, 98
defective forecourts, and 45 dirty and uncovered drinking
water cisterns. This work has entailed a large amount of
clerical work, and 1,696 re-inspections, as appears hereunder.