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

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Shoreditch 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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62
DISINFECTION
The premises disinfected numbered 989. The articles removed to the Borough
Council's Disinfecting Station totalled 9,115 and included 899 beds, 262 mattresses,
1,663 pillows, 475 bolsters and 5,816 other articles such as sheets, blankets, quilts,
curtains, carpets, clothing and the like.
SHELTER
It was not found necessary to remove any contacts to the Shelter which is
provided under Section 195, sub-section 4, of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
VENEREAL DISEASES
The London County Council is the authority responsible for the provision of
facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases and special clinics are held
in various voluntary hospitals and in other institutions. None of these is actually
within the boundaries of the Borough, but those of the Metropolitan, the London,
the Royal Free and University College Hospitals are readily accessible to the people
of Shoreditch. Lists of these centres are displayed in the public conveniences in
the Borough and can also be seen in the Health Department.
The times at which these clinics are open will be found on page 22 of this report.
The London County Council also provides for doctors, laboratory facilities to
aid diagnosis, the supply of salvarsan and its substitutes, and courses of instruction
in modern methods of diagnosis and treatment. The County Council further coordinates
the work of hospitals, public health services and practitioners, and undertakes
publicity and propaganda work with regard to matters relating to venereal
disease.
Though the means for treatment are available, much educational work remains
to be done. Cases not infrequently come to the notice of the Department in which
patients recommended to one of these clinics discontinue treatment before they are
cured, thus running the gravest risk of disaster to themselves, of infecting their
wife or husband and of transmitting disease to their children.
The number of bacteriological examinations carried out on behalf of the Borough
Council in connection with the diagnosis of venereal disease during the past six years
is as follows:—
1932 37 1935 22
1933 45 1936 35
1934 36 1937 28