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
Barnes 1920
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnes]
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14 Infectious Diseases.
So far as tuberculosis is concerned, the policy should be, I think,
the care of delicate and pre-tuberculous children by open air schools,
convalescent homes and better housing, the acquisition of beds for
the treatment of surgical tuberculosis in children, and prolvision for
the segregation of hopeless and advanced cases—so as to prevent
further family infection.
Sanatorium benefit is making heavy claims on the National
Health Insurance purse, and the strictly Sanatorium part of it will
possibly have to be curtailed.
The Dispensary is the most important part of the whole scheme
and should be maintained at a, high standard of efficiency.
Tuberculosis is declining throughout the County and will continue
to do so as better housing and fewer slums appear.
Much propaganda work in the way of educating the public can
be done through the press, which, in my experience, is always willing
to help.
VACCINATION RETURN. The Vaccination Officer's Returns are as follows:—
| No. of Births. | No. of Certificates of Successful Vaccination | No of Certificates of Exemption (Statutory Declaration). | No. of Certificates of Insusceptibility. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 777 | 509 | 198 | 5 |
Removals out of District 30
Postponements owing to ill health 17
Certificate of Insusceptibility from. Public Vaccinator —
Certificate through infectious disease or condition of house —
VENEREAL DISEASES.
Clinics for the treatment of Venereal Diseases are available at
Hammersmith and Richmond for residents in the District.
With regard to Venereal Diseases, the campaign for preventing
infection after exposure is superseding that for combating the disease,
and offering early treatment. The Council would do> well to consider
the advisability of having warning bills posted in public places,