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
Walthamstow 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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"A fall of snow occurred during the Christmas week which
seriously tried the patience of everyone. It was dealt with
expeditiously, and although it was economically impossible to
deal with the whole town, all main roads and shopping centres were
kept clear."
Note by Medical Officer of Health.—The evidence produced with
regard to the increased use of tinned and prepared foods is most
regrettable but not unexpected.
(iii) SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE AREA.
Mr. M. E. Duncan, Chief Sanitary Inspector, reports as follows:—
| No. of inspections made. | No. of nuisances detected. | No. of complaints received. | No. of Informal Notices. | No. of Statutory Notices. | Total Visits. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Served. | Complied with. | Served. | Complied with. | ||||
| 12,665 | 10,629 | 1,629 | 2,396 | 2,357 | 90 | 88 | 28,638 |
Of the 2,396 informal notices served during the year 33 were
in respect of factory premises, and although 2,363 notices were in
respect of houses, 2,388 premises were rendered fit by informal
action.
Failing compliance with Statutory Notices by the owners, the
Council carried out these requirements to 12 houses involving an
expenditure of £376 11s. 9d.
The nature and variety of the work done during 1938 is shown in the following tables:—
| Drains tested | 478 |
| ,, reconstructed or repaired | 487 |
| ,, obstructions removed | 167 |
| ,, means of access provided | 58 |
| ,, ventilation provided or improved | 94 |
| ,, ventilation repaired | 96 |
| Soil pipes repaired | 55 |
| ,, ,, new, provided | 46 |
| Rain water pipes renewed | 269 |
| ,, ,, ,, disconnected from drains | 35 |