[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich].

  • Woolwich (London, England). Metropolitan Borough.
Date:
[1943?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Credit: [Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    9 Tuberculosis Dispensaries. Maxey Road, Plumstead In use as a first aid post but temporary accommodation at the rear in use as a Tuberculosis Dispensary. 11, Carnecke Gardens, Eltham . Continued to be used as a Tuberculosis Dispensary during the year. The work of the dispensaries is referred to in the section dealing with infectious disease. Vaccination. There were 742 entries in the birth lists for 1941. Of these, 324 were successfully vaccinated. The total number of successful primary vaccinations during 1942 was 755, and 33 successful re-vaccinations were carried out. SANITARY ADMINISTRATION. Complaints. 2,436 complaints of nuisance were received. After investigation any necessary notices for the remedy or abatement of the defects or nuisances dis covered were served. Sanitary Inspection of the Area. During the year 32,950 inspections, including re-inspections, were carried out by the sanitary inspectors. Included in this number are 2,436 primary inspections on complaint of nuisances, and 571 on account of infectious disease. The number of inspections of factories was 324. Defects were found and remedied in 38 instances. The number of intimation notices served was 1,426, and the number of statutory notices, 388. In 69 instances, where the owners did not comply with the statutory notices, the Town Clerk was asked to institute proceedings, but it was necessary to issue only five summonses as in all other cases the necessary steps were taken on receipt of a letter from the Town Clerk. Eradication of Bed Bugs. The methods adopted in Woolwich in this respect have been reported on very fully in previous reports. Cyanide was used for the disinfestation of seventeen loads of furniture and nine buildings. During 1942, 1,767 inspections were carried out and the necessary action was taken. Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. In addition to inspections carried out specifically in connection with rat infestation, the sanitary inspectors look for signs of the presence of rats at every inspection. Thus, infestation was discovered in 400 premises, including 27 food premises. In 152 instances it was necessary to secure the repair of defective drains, 65 premises were rat proofed, and other effective measures were taken in the remainder. Infestation has not assumed any great proportions in the Borough, but constant endeavour is necessary on the part of everyone concerned to combat the menace of these rodents. Housing. The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects under the Public Health or Housing Acts was 2,433, and the number found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation was 1,218. The number rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors (including the service of intimation notices) was 896. Statutory notices were served in respect of 322 houses.