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
Hackney 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]
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visits to 2,542 patients, The Superintendent informs me that there was a
considerable decrease in injections during the year owing to the oral administration
of penicillin and mersalyl, but nursing cases discharged from hospital
required more nursing care,
(c) TUBERCULOSIS CARE COMMITTEES, The Borough Council appoints three
members to both the Hackney and Bethnal Green Care Committee and to the Hackney
and Stoke Newington Care Committee, The Medical Officer of Health is also a
member of both these Committees. These committees play no small part in the
campaign against tuberculosis: they enable tuberculous persons to have the
advantage of the many additional amenities which might almost be described as
necessities but which, nevertheless, are not available to them through the
agency of statutory bodies.
(d) ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPICE, situated in Mare Street, is administered by a
Community of catholic Nuns. It admits persons suffering from chronic and
incurable diseases, and large numbers of persons end their days there in the
best possible atmosphere in such circumstances.
(e) womens voluntary services The local branch of this organisation
again included in its activities a hospital trolley library service, assistance
to old age pensioners in shopping, cooking, etc,, distribution of welfare
foods, escort journeys, arrangements for seaside holidays for children and old
age pensioners, and the collection of clothing which is distributed to hardship
cases. A tea trolley service,, operating in the Casualty and Out-patients'
Departments of the German Hospital, was commenced during the year,
(f) ST. john ambulance brigade. The membership of the No. 5 (Hackney Division) was maintained and the duties carried out during the year, covering some 3,056 hours, are summarized as follows
| Duties | Hours | Cases | Hospital cases | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackney Marsh | 367 | 1,288 | 321 | 72 |
| Hackney Empire | 50 | 150 | 9 | 2 |
| Regal Cinema | 231 | 814 | 15 | 1 |
| Pavilion Cinema | 11 | 39 | 0 | 0 |
| Hare and Hounds | 43 | 129 | 20 | 1 |
| Clapton Stadium | 114 | 342 | 17 | 0 |
| Victoria Park Lido | 14 | 56 | 155 | 0 |
| London Fields Lido | 27 | 108 | 54 | 2 |
| Miscellaneous | 28 | 130 | 38 | 1 |
| Totals | 885 | 3,056 | 629 | 79 |
In addition, some 2,000 home and factory cases are dealt with each year.
(g) BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY Five detachments, one Cadet Unit, a
Junior Link, and two Cadet Units under formation, totalling in all 182 members,
comprise the Hackney Division, The services provided included lectures on
first aid, home nursing, loan of medical supplies, a limited car service, and
the transporting and guiding of patients. Other work of the Division included
duties at theatres, cinemas, sports events and hospitals and a hospital
trolley shop.