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
Woolwich 1904
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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90. It appears that the phthisis death rate rose last year in
the County as well as in the Borough, as compared with the
two preceding years.
The increase occurred in all three parishes, and in each
ward, except St. Mary's, St. George's, Herbert and Burrage.
The River and Dockyard Wards had the highest rate, and
Herbert and Eltham the lowest.
91. The following table shows the death rate from Phthisis in recent years in Woolwich and Plumstead parishes:—
| Average. | Average. | 1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1904 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1891-1895 | 1896-1900 | |||||
| Woolwich | 2.8 | 2.16 | 2.52 | 1.99 | 1.94 | 2.23 |
| Plumstead | 1.78 | 1.40 | 1.51 | 1.30 | 1.18 | 1.43 |
The rate in Woolwich parish has been higher in three years,
and in Plumstead in five years, during the past ten years.
92. The increase of deaths from Phthisis during the past
year is disappointing, in view of the efforts made to deal with
this disease. In attempting to account for the causa of this
increase it must be remembered that the duration of the disease
is on an average at least two years, so that the increase of
deaths in 1904 does not mean increase of infection in that
year. Many causes may, however, determine a fatal end to
the subjects of phthisis, such as intercurrent illness and hardships
of all kinds, especially want of proper food. Although
owing to careful administration the Poor Law statistics have
not shown a serious increase of pauperism during the past year
in the Woolwich Union, any one acquainted with the district
knows that there has been much poverty compared with preceding
years, which has greatly prejudiced the nutrition of the