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 1941
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL.
Renovations, etc. - The following; works of maintenance were
carried out during 1941:-
(1) Renewal of Heating and Domestic Hot Water Boiler
in chamber adjoining Laundry Block.
(2) Rebuilding of chimney stack at the N. end of F. Block.
(3) Renewal of overhead cable to internal bell and fire
alarm system.
No other work of major importance was carried out in 1941.
General.- (1) The death rate per 100 admissions of infectious
disease patients was 1.35 and per 100 total admissions 3.64.
(ii) During the year the County Council continued the grant
payable by them in respect of infectious disease beds, and
amounting to £425.
(in) The following table shows the admissions, discharges and deaths during 1941:-
| Scarlet Fever | Diphtheria | Other Diseases | Tuberculosis | Totals. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining in Hospital 1st.January | 10 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 35 |
| Admitted during year | 117 | 90 | 155 | 22 | 384 |
| Discharged during year | 117 | 155 | 13 | 360 | |
| Died during year | - | 3 | 3 | 14 | |
| Remaining in hospital 31st.December | 10 | 18 | 7 | 10 | 45 |
SCABIES.
Twelve cases of Scabies were observed in patients admitted
for infectious diseases and gave opportunity for prolonged
observation. An "apparent" cure can be obtained by any of the new
classical treatments. But the disease can be dormant for months
and is very difficult to eradicate, fully. Early and easy cures
arc deceptive. Children cannot tolerate strong sulphurointment.
Benzyl benzrete was disappointing. Each case must
be treated its merits. One or two applications is sufficient
for some patients and some cases seem to defy all treatment.
Three oases were complicated by impetigo, and were very obstinate.
DAILY AVERAGE NUMBER OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL,
(including Tuberculosis cases.)
January 33.9 April 38.9 July 33.2 October 40.5
February 37.8 May 43.3 August 33.2 November 40.2
March 38.6 June 37.0 September 39.6 December 49.0
Average whole year 38.8,
18.