London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Mile End 1866

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hamlet of Mile End Old Town]

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11
HAMLET OF MILE END OLD TOWN.
TO THE OCCUPIER of the House being
in the Hamlet of Mile End Old Town, in the County of Middlesex.
Infectious disease having occurred or at present existing in your
house, you arc required, under the Provisions of the Public Health
Act of 1866, to forthwith have the rooms of such house thoroughly
cleansed and disinfected. The ceilings and walls to be clcansed, and,
where practicable, limewhited—the floors and other woodwork to be
washed with water and chloride of lime or carbolate of lime—(when
purchased, chloride of lime should be dry, and of a greyish white
color). The bed clothes and linen of the patient, and all soiled articles,
to be placed as speedily as possible in boiling water and there left until
cold—all discharges from the patient must be immediately disinfected
with "Burnett's Fluid," or " carbolic acid " and directly thrown away.
The rooms and the house generally to be thoroughly ventilated as often
as possible by open doors and windows. Where sickness is at the time
in the house, thfc medical attendant should be consulted as to these
measures of disinfection.
If further instructions arc required they can be obtained upon application
at the Vestry Hall, Bancroft Road.
Dated this day of 1867.
By Order of the Vestry,
HENBY LESHAW,
Sanitary Inspector.
Vestry Hall, Bancroft Road,
Mile End Road.
I am fully aware that owing to a prejudice felt by
many against these measures resulting from ignorance of
their value and objects, they must be carried into effect
judiciously and with much tact and discretion ; this
course has always been my aim, to ensure that the
sanitary measures are efficiently carried out, without at
the same time creating opposition or annoyance to
owner or occupier by unreasonable or impossible
demands. I believe this system has been most effective