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 1939
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southall]
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Diseases notified as diphtheria:—
Tonsilitis, etc. 7
Erysipelas 1
Scarlatina 1
Bronchitis 1
Septicaemia and otitis 1
Stay in Hospital.
The average stay in hospital was as follows:—
Scarlatina : All cases (112) 36.7 days
Patients remaining over 56 days 80.5 „
Patients remaining under 56 days 33.2 „
Diphtheria: All cases (9) 50.2 „
Patients remaining over 56 days 72.0 „
Patients remaining under 56 days 30.0 „
Other diseases: All cases (17) 11.7 „
Laboratory Work.
The laboratory work for the hospital continues to be done by the Lister Institute
of Preventive Medicine. During the year the following examinations were performed:—
Table No. 50.
| Swabs for diphtheria bacilli | 100 |
| Swabs for virulence tests for diphtheria | 1 |
| Haemolytic streptococci | 6 |
| Cerebro-spinal fluid | 1 |
| Sputum for tubercle | 1 |
| Urine for organisms | 2 |
| Smear for gonococci | 1 |
Sick Staff.
Table No. 51.
| Permanent. | Temporary. | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of staff off duty for 24 hours or more | 1 | 2 |
| Total number of days off duty | 15 | 44 |
| Casual conditions:— | ||
| Scarlatina | — | 39 |
| Diphtheria | — | — |
| Other | 15 | 5 |