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

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Woolwich 1942

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]

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9
Tuberculosis Dispensaries.
Maxey Road, Plumstead In use as a first aid post but temporary
accommodation at the rear in use as
a Tuberculosis Dispensary.
11, Carnecke Gardens, Eltham . Continued to be used as a Tuberculosis
Dispensary during the year.
The work of the dispensaries is referred to in the section dealing with infectious
disease.
Vaccination. There were 742 entries in the birth lists for 1941. Of these,
324 were successfully vaccinated. The total number of successful primary
vaccinations during 1942 was 755, and 33 successful re-vaccinations were carried out.
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
Complaints. 2,436 complaints of nuisance were received. After investigation
any necessary notices for the remedy or abatement of the defects or nuisances discovered
were served.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area. During the year 32,950 inspections,
including re-inspections, were carried out by the sanitary inspectors. Included
in this number are 2,436 primary inspections on complaint of nuisances, and 571
on account of infectious disease.
The number of inspections of factories was 324. Defects were found and
remedied in 38 instances.
The number of intimation notices served was 1,426, and the number of statutory
notices, 388. In 69 instances, where the owners did not comply with the statutory
notices, the Town Clerk was asked to institute proceedings, but it was necessary
to issue only five summonses as in all other cases the necessary steps were taken
on receipt of a letter from the Town Clerk.
Eradication of Bed Bugs. The methods adopted in Woolwich in this respect
have been reported on very fully in previous reports. Cyanide was used for the
disinfestation of seventeen loads of furniture and nine buildings. During 1942,
1,767 inspections were carried out and the necessary action was taken.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. In addition to inspections carried
out specifically in connection with rat infestation, the sanitary inspectors look for
signs of the presence of rats at every inspection. Thus, infestation was discovered
in 400 premises, including 27 food premises. In 152 instances it was necessary
to secure the repair of defective drains, 65 premises were rat proofed, and other
effective measures were taken in the remainder. Infestation has not assumed any
great proportions in the Borough, but constant endeavour is necessary on the part
of everyone concerned to combat the menace of these rodents.
Housing. The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects
under the Public Health or Housing Acts was 2,433, and the number found not
to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation was 1,218. The number
rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors (including
the service of intimation notices) was 896. Statutory notices were served in respect
of 322 houses.