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
East Ham 1961
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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PUBLIC MORTUARY - STATISTICS
| AUTHORITY | YEAR 1960 | YEAR 1961 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Bodies Received | No. of Autopsies Performed | No. of Bodies Received | No. of Autopsies Performed | |
| EAST HAM | 158 | 157 | 184 | 179 |
| BARKING | 33 | 33 | 36 | 35 |
| DAGENHAM | 18 | 18 | 13 | 13 |
| ILFORD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| LEYTON | 1 | - | - | - |
| WANSTEAD | - | - | 8 | 8 |
| EAST HAM HOSPITAL | - | - | 6 | 2 |
| TOTALS | 215 | 213 | 252 | 241 |
It can be seen from the statistical table that considerable use is made of our mortuary facilities by
neighbouring authorities.
The table that follows sets out the total reception of cadavers and autopsies performed in each of
the last 5 years.
It can be seen that in almost every case autopsy is carried out and this is done by a pathologist designated by the Coroner.
| Year | No. of bodies received | No, of autopsies performed |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 290 | 289 |
| 1958 | 224 | 225 |
| 1959 | 238 | 236 |
| 1960 | 215 | 213 |
| 1961 | 252 | 241 |
Comment should also be made on arrangements made in 1961 with the Hospital Management
Committee (No. 9 Group), for the reception of bodies from East Ham Memorial Hospital especially during the
summer months, for storage and autopsy because of lack of refrigeration in the hospital mortuary.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 - SECTION 47
The above section of the National Assistance Act, 1948, deals with the removal to suitable
premises of persons in need of care and attention. It has not been found necessary for action to be taken
under this section during the years 1960 and 1961.
WATER SUPPLY
(i) The water supply of the Borough in its several parts had been satisfactory both in quality and quantity.
(ii) All houses in the area have water services laid on from the Metropolitan Water Board's mains. No
bacteriological or chemical analyses were made by this Authority on the raw water going into supply.
(iii) The water supply of this district from the Metropolitan Water Board does not give rise to plumbosolvent
action.
(iv) There were no contamination areas.