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 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]
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COMPLAINTS.
During the year 1,518 complaints were received with regard to the undementioned matters, were duly investigated, and any necessary action taken.
| Choked and defective drains and sewers | 439 |
| Insanitary or dilapidated conditions of premises | 22 |
| Dampness | 19 |
| Defective ir insufficient W.C. accommodation | 19 |
| Defective water pipes or fittings | 3 |
| Insufficient or defective refuse bins | 5 |
| Offensive smells from various causes | 45 |
| Offensive accumulations | 1 |
| Nuisance from animals improperly kept | 3 |
| Shops Act infringement | 1 |
| Unwholesomne food | 16 |
| Infestation with bugs or fleas | 15 |
| Infestation with other insects pests | |
| Infestation with rats and mice | 612 |
| Smoke nuisances | 23 |
| Flooding | 9 |
| Water supply | 1 |
| Miscellaneous | 41 |
| TOTAL:- | 1,518 |
The number of complaints received in the Department during the previous ten years was :-
| 1958 | 1,251 | 1953 | 1,037 |
| 1957 | 1,230 | 1952 | 1,093 |
| 1956 | 1,210 | 1951 | 1,059 |
| 1955 | 1,157 | 1950 | 1,083 |
| 1954 | 905 | 1949 | 1,007 |
VISITS MADE BY INSPECTORS.
| Number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health and Housing Acts) | 195 |
| Number of dwelling houses visited for purposes other than housing defects | 2619 |
| Number of visits to premises other than houses | 2216 |
| Premises re-inspected | 1380 |
| Visits to works in progress | 457 |
| Visits re. rats and mice | 6520 |
| Visits re. Rent Act | 187 |
| Visits re. Civil Defence | 48 |
| Miscellaneous visits | 653 |
| 14,275 |
30.