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
East Ham 1915
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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They referred to the following nuisances:—
COMPLAINTS—NUISANCES.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov | Dec. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drains Choked | 39 | 33 | 64 | 42 | 35 | 36 | 39 | 71 | 40 | 58 | 76 | 69 | 602 |
| Accumulations (Refuse, etc.) | 2 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 113 |
| Water cut off | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 6 |
| Dilapidations | — | 1 | — | 3 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 5 | — | 4 | 32 |
| Insanitary condition | 2 | — | — | 2 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | — | — | — | 24 |
| Overcrowding | — | 2 | — | 4 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 22 |
| No dust bins | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 1 | 4 | 3 | — | 6 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 34 |
| Dampness | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 39 |
| Others (various) | 36 | 23 | 16 | 23 | 33 | 33 | 24 | 34 | 15 | 23 | 13 | 17 | 290 |
| Offensive smells | — | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 5 | — | 56 |
| Total | 86 | 79 | 95 | 92 | 108 | 101 | 96 | 138 | 93 | 108 | 109 | 113 | 1218 |
HOUSE TO HOUSE INSPECTION.
In previous reports special reference has been made to the
importance of this branch of Public Health service, and as much
time as is at the disposal of the inspectorial staff is given to this
work, but the visitation of infectious cases receives first claim
upon the Inspectors' time.
The number of premises visited was 1,329 as compared with
2,027 for the previous year. Of the 1,329 premises visited, 564
were found in such a condition as to warrant no action being taken
by the Inspector for the abatement of any nuisance. This figure
is equal to 40.2 premises in fair condition, and 59.8 premises at
which nuisances existed. The latter figures may appear high, but
house to house inspections are made in selected areas where the
Inspector's experience tells him he is required.
It will be observed that there is a decrease of 698 in the
number of inspections made.