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
Beddington and Wallington 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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COMPLAINTS
The number of complaints received shewed an increase of 30% over
1953 and 150% over 1952
Complaints received and dealt with during the year were due to the
following causes:
Rats and Mice 162
Housing defects 91
Choked drains and sewers 71
Defective dustbins 193
Defective drainage (including closets) 15
Unsound or adulterated food 19
Atmospheric Pollution 20
Insect pests 27
Offensive accumulations 14
Foxes3
Miscellaneous 26
641
SMOKE ABATEMENT
Number of observations 487
Nuisances observed 3
INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND DISINFECTION
Number of visits re cases of infectious disease 112
Number of rooms disinfected 81
Lots of bedding and clothing disinfected 35
Number of library books disinfected 253
OFFENSIVE TRADES
Number of offensive trade premises in district Nil
RATS AND MICE
Number of premises inspected 2,161
Number of visits to premises 3,056
Number of premises upon which rats or mice were found and
remedial action taken 242
Number of baits laid 5,335
SEWER RAT CONTROL
Following a ten per cent. test of sewer manholes in May, two maintenance treatments were carried out, one in July and one in December. The results are summarised below:
| July Treatment | December Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Manholes baited | 189 | 114 |
| Manholes in which takes were recorded | 64 | 58 |
| Percentage of manholes showing infestations | 33 | 50 |