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
Wimbledon 1902
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]
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the hospital in Gap Road, by means of a steam disinfector, which
can be used in a variety of ways, such as a simple hot air oven,
with a current of hot air, as a low, or high pressure steam disinfector,
or a low or high pressure "current" machine.
After the fumigation of the infected rooms by the use of
sulphur, sulphur and formalin candles, concentrated sulphur
dioxide in metal cylinders, or the formalin spray, the owner or
occupier is required to complete the process of disinfection by
stripping the walls of paper, etc.. etc.
Diagnostic
Tests
The number of specimens of secretion and blood submitted to the Clinical Research Association, and the Jenner Institute of Preventive Medicine during the year in doubtful cases of diphtheria and typhoid or enteric fever, and the results of examination were as follows :—
| Bacillus found. | Bacillus not found. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria Secretion | 22 | 39 | 61 |
| Reaction obtained. | Reaction not obtained. | Total | |
| Typhoid (Blood) | 4 | 3 | 7 |
Mortuary
One hundred and five bodies were received into the Mortuary
during the year, and 38 post mortems made (18 males. 20 females).
Inquests were held by the Coroner with respect to 39 bodies,
being equal to 8.5 per cent. of all deaths registered in the district.
Dairies,
Cowsheds
and
Milkshops
At the close of the year the register contained the names of
7 cowkeepers and 48 dairvmen or purveyors of milk. During the
year there were 5 dairymen registered.
The whole of these premises have been periodically inspected,
and generally found in fair order and condition. With few exceptions
there appears to be every effort made by the persons
registered to carry on their businesses in accordance with the
regulations governing these premises.
Minor breaches of regulations were discovered, but imme-