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
Surbiton 1940
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]
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BED BUGS.
Disinfestation was carried out at 18 premises by the following methods:—
| Council Houses | Other Houses | |
|---|---|---|
| Spraying with Vermicine | 4 | 5 |
| Fumigation with Cyanide | — | 2 |
| „ „ Cimex | — | 1 |
| „ „ Sulphur | — | 3 |
| Use of paraffin, etc. | — | 3 |
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
During the year 51 bodies were received into
the mortuary, 50 post-mortem examinations carried
out, and 28 inquests held.
This does not include deaths from war operations.
SHOPS ACTS.
74 visits were made to shops in connection
with Shops Acts, and eight infringements were
rectified.
No prosecutions were instituted.
GENERAL.
The year under review was fraught with difficulties,
and the normal activities of the Department
were considerably affected. The less important
routine work had to be abandoned as the whole of
the male staff were called to the, Forces, and I was
left with only one Clerk out of the original Staff.
Great difficulty was experienced in securing two
temporary Sanitary Inspectors, one of whom was
appointed in January and the other in October.
Nevertheless, all essential work was dealt with,
but not with that promptitude which has in the past
been the pride of the Department.
The severe enemy activity in the latter part
of the year called for the utmost effort from every
member of the staff by day and night, and I am
pleased to record that all difficulties were overcome.