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

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Woolwich 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]

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40
(c) Pocket spittoons, as used in Manchester, have been
obtained for the use of consumptives, to whom they
are supplied at cost price, viz., 6d.
77. Regulations against spitting in public places are now
in force in many foreign countries, in Glasgow, and in
Glamorgan. There is no doubt that such a prohibition should
be general, and should apply to public houses. Probably most
adult men who contract phthisis, derive the infection from the
public house. The Borough Council has the power to make a
bye-law to prohibit spitting, and it is most desirable that this
power should be exercised. A report making this recommendation
was presented to your Council in July last. It
would be better still if the County Council would make a byelaw
for the whole County.
78. Sanatoria for Consumption.—It has been conclusively
proved that by means of open-air treatment in properly equipped
sanatoria, the large majority of cases of consumption may be
cured, or have their disease arrested, if taken in the early
stage. Such sanatoria are therefore necessary for treatment;
but they are also most desirable for prevention, for every case
properly treated in a Sanatorium ceases to be a source of
infection to others, and during his stay in the institution will
be trained in the steps necessary to avoid spreading the
infection on his return home. Advanced cases are specially a
means of spreading the disease, owing to the large amount of
sputa they expectorate, and should be isolated in suitable
homes when their circumstances prevent home isolation. Of
the 183 deaths from Phthisis last year, 49 took place in the
Workhouse Infirmary. I understand that the Phthisical
inmates of the Infirmary are isolated so far as circumstances
allow. It is of great importance that they should be altogether