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 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Penge]
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There were 248 cases of tuberculosis on the Register at the end of the year compared with 227 in 1948.
| Male | Female | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulmonary | 100 | 111 | 211 |
| Non-Pulmonary | 17 | 20 | 37 |
| 117 | 131 | 248 |
FOOD.
No animals were killed in the local slaughterhouses.
No cases of food poisoning were notified during the year.
Towards the end of the year a meeting of local food traders was convened
by the Penge and Anerley Chamber of Commerce in regard to a Clean Food
Campaign and the formulation of local "Codes of Practice" for traders. Early
in 1950 an independent clean food association was formed and Codes of Practice
drawn up by them.
In January, 1950, the Council recommended the adoption of bye-laws
based on those suggested by the Ministry of Food.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Whilst it has not been found necessary to take action under Section 47 of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, there were occasions when difficulty was experienced
in obtaining admission to institutions of aged persons suffering from chronic
illness, and in need of care and attention.
Until sufficient institutional accommodation and staff are provided for the
chronic aged sick, particularly those living alone, the proper care of these elderly
people will remain a problem.
My thanks are due to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health
Committee for their cordial support during the year, and also to the staff of the
Public Health Department for their ready co-operation.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Lady and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
B. E. HAWKINS,
Medical Officer of Health.