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
Southall-Norwood 1936
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southall]
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Table No. 33.
| Date | Organisms found | No. of bathers in previous 60 hours | Remarks | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin 20 degrees for 3 days | Agar 37 degrees for 2 days | 15. Coli | Streptococci | B. Welchii | ||||
| 1 | 19.5.36 | 38 | 20 | 0 in 100 c.c. | +in 15 c.c. | — | 992 | Safe for bathing |
| 2 | 16.6.36 | 8543 | 6340 | 0 ill 100 c.c. | 0 in 30 c.c. | - | 442 | Figures higher than usual, but suitable for bathing |
| 3 | 20.7.36 | 1450 | 510 | 0 in 100 c.c. | 0 in 30 c.c. | — | 497 | Satisfactory for bathing |
| 4 | 18.8.36 | 722 | 36 | +in 100c.c. | +in 10 c.c. | — | 1314 | Satisfactory |
| 5 | 22.9.36 | 9 | 0 in 100 c.c. | 0 in 30 c.c. | — | 42 | Excellent | |
| 6 | 9.9.36 | 72,500 | 11,900 | +in 0.1 c.c. | +in 1 c.c. | +in 10 c.c. | Unsuitable | |
The bacteriological count varies not only with the amount of chlorine
added but with the total number of bathers for the past few days. These are
shown in the above table. The free chlorine is increased during peak periods,
but if it gets beyond the usual maximum, complaints are made with regard to
the chemical effects produced on the eyes, nose, ears, etc., of bathers. The
bacteriological count found in the September sample showed the water to have
as great or greater bacteriological purity than the drinking water from taps,
and it was in fact almost sterile. Samples are taken regularly throughout the
season, and to make them more comparable they are taken at approximately
the same time on the same day of the week (a Tuesday).
There are 110 privately owned swimming baths or pools used by the
public.
Mortuary and Post-mortem Room.
The Mortuary is situated in the Cemetery Ground, Havelock Road. It
is antiquated and out of date.
During the year 31 bodies were deposited in the mortuary.
Premises and Workshops which can be controlled by Byelaws.
Tents, Vans, Sheds and similar Structures.
There are two " permanent " caravans or similar structures in the
district, and one of these at the end of the year was engaging the attention
of the Council.
43