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 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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Tuberculosis Care Work.
The Woolwich Tuberculosis Care Committee, on which are represented various
official bodies, continued to carry out most useful work amongst patients and their
families. Financial help is also being given by the National Assistance Board in
certain cases.
Disinfection and Disinfestation.
The work of reconstruction of the Disinfecting Station at White Hart Road,
Plumstead, which was damaged during the war, was commenced in September,
1952, the cost of this work being recoverable from the War Damage Commission.
In addition to the external repairs to the building being carried out, the plant and
electrical wiring is also being overhauled. The Greenwich Borough Council kindly
permitted the joint use of their Disinfecting Station until repairs are completed.
During 1952, the Department carried out disinfection of 517 rooms after cases
of infectious diseases, and of these 208 premises had been occupied by tuberculous
persons. Altogether, 960 inspections regarding verminous conditions were made,
and 604 rooms were disinfested for vermin. 44 van loads of furniture were fumigated
during the year.
The number of articles disinfected at the Disinfection Station to the 6th September, 1952, was 6,435, details of the type and number of articles disinfected there being as follows:—
| Beds | 134 | Rugs | 27 |
| Palliasses | 774 | Books | 182 |
| Pillows | 1,214 | Bags | 65 |
| Bolsters | 128 | Wearing apparel | 500 |
| Quilts | 297 | Boots | 2 |
| Sheets | 610 | Slippers | 4 |
| Blankets | 1,472 | Toys | 55 |
| Curtains | 24 | Cushions | 83 |
| Carpets | 4 | Sundries | 750 |
Many requests were again received from residents of the Borough wishing
to dispose of bedding and furniture which was often in a dirty and sometimes
verminous condition, and formerly used by persons removed to hospitals and
institutions, or deceased. This furniture and bedding was removed to and destroyed
at the Plumstead Destructor. Seventy-seven cases were dealt with during the year
and the following articles were removed and destroyed:-
Beds 21 Mats 3
Pillows 34 Couches 12
Bedsteads 11 Chairs 28
Bedspreads 7 Cushions 10
Blankets 6 Tables 2
Bed-ends 1 Chest of Drawers 3
Sheets 7 Wearing Apparel 48
Wash Stand Pitchers 2 Gramophones 1
Dressing Tables 1 Books 12
Lino 1 Bins of Rubbish 2
Sundries 97
A total of 29 requests was received from residents in the Borough for the
disinfection of rooms and bedding or both, following the occurrence of a noninfectious
disease, or the death of a member of the family, and for other reasons.
Charges totalling £18 12s. Od. were made for this work.
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