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09b24de2-5f82-4e6b-a870-eef9760396fc | 2 2 Erysipelas 1 - - - - 1 4 5 12 3 26 9 Dysentery 1 1 - 1 - - - - - 1 4 1 Zymotic Enteritis 20 10 1 1 - - 1 1 4 2 40 39 Acute Pneumonia 11 13 7 6 2 3 12 21 27 33 135 44 Malaria - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - Food Poisoning - - - - - - - 1 2 1 4 3 Puerperal Pyrexia - - - - - 1 13 1 - - 15 12 Ophthalmia Neonatorum 7 - - - - - - - - - 7 5 Whooping Cough 17 63 83 93 2 - 8 - - - 266 28 Measles |
8e30622a-ad98-46ef-afaf-91ea8ac86b6d | 52 330 354 563 19 3 2 1 - - 1314 94 Scabies - 2 - 9 4 1 8 3 3 - 30 - 28 Of the total number of notified cases of scarlet fever, as many as 131 cases or 64.5 per cent, were isolated at home. It is interesting to compare this percentage with the corresponding percentage for home isolation of this disease during the years between 1930 and 1938, when never more than 7 per cent, of cases of scarlet fever were isolated at home. Frequent visits are made by the district inspectors to these cases in order to ensure that proper precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of this disease. Smallpox. Seven smallpox contacts living or staying in the Borough were kept under daily surveillance following the death from smallpox of a passenger on board the s.s. |
c19db5d0-e349-472e-b38e-833c1d182567 | Mooltan which docked at the Port of London in the month of April. Altogether there were 11 confirmed cases in the country, five of them in the London area, with six fatal cases. A further 22 contacts were also kept under observation until it had been established that the case of which they were contacts was not, in fact, smallpox. Arrangements were made for additional vaccination and all necessary precautions were taken. Woolwich was indeed fortunate that no case of smallpox developed when it is remembered that one of the contacts dined with a friend the evening before the friend developed smallpox. Food Poisoning. There were no serious outbreaks of food poisoning in the Borough during the year 1949. Actual notifications totalled 4 and no deaths were attributed to food poisoning. In the majority of cases of food poisoning, the illness is normally of short duration with symptoms of diarrhoea, abdominal pains and vomiting. |
00bd284d-dcdd-4d70-98d2-4c36ada2c5cb | Probably only a minority of patients seek medical attention, consequently difficulty in tracing the causal organism with certainty is frequent. In two cases organisms of the Morgan type, probably derived from ham sandwiches, were isolated from the specimens taken from the patients. Another patient was found to be suffering from a Salmonella Typhi Murium infection believed to have been derived from duck or chicken eaten at a meal in a London restaurant. Reports were received that a number of other patients present at this meal (a dinner) were also suffering from food poisoning and that in each case they had eaten a meal consisting of duck or chicken and ice cream. From investigations into a further case of food poisoning, it was ascertained that three members of a family, who had eaten a meal in an hotel, were all ill. The food suspected was meat pie. |
de5c857d-0de8-42f8-bda1-2361506a2ff6 | The Minister of Health in a memorandum to local authorities issued during 1949, stated that, in general, experience during the past 10 years had shown that the notification of food poisoning has achieved the purpose intended, namely, that circumstances requiring further investigation and action of the kind which a general practitioner cannot be expected to undertake are brought promptly to the notice of the Medical Officer of Health. Poliomyelitis. In the years 1947 and 1949, this disease occurred to a greater extent than ever before in this country. In Woolwich there were more cases of poliomyelitis than in any other year on record. The total number of confirmed cases was 25 against 23 in the 1947 epidemic. Of the confirmed cases 18 made a complete recovery, one patient has some paralysis, four patients with more severe paralysis are still in hospital and the remaining two cases were fatal. Prophylaxis Statistics. 29 Number of completed immunisation cases during year:— At County Council Clinics. |
45ce5adc-232b-4545-b232-00b25fa0ca52 | By Medical Practitioners. Diphtheria 1,013 861 Whooping Cough 44 557 Diphtheria and Whooping Cough combined — 40 Vaccination 894 434 (Figures kindly supplied by Divisional Medical OJJicer) Tuberculosis. The number of primary notifications of tuberculosis was 256, an increase of 24 on the previous year's total. Of the total number of notifications, 224 were in respect of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. There were 59 deaths from tuberculosis during the year as against 82 in 1948. Of the 59 deaths, 55 concerned cases of respiratory tuberculosis. The following table shows the number of notifications, deaths and death rates for the Borough since 1940:— Table No. 15. Table of Notifications and Deaths compared with Population. Year. Civilian Population excluding Army. Primary Notifications. Deaths from Tuberculosis. Deaths per 1,000 of population. Total Deaths all causes. |
dec7d923-7261-403f-9a04-cb37320254d8 | Percentage of Tuberculosis Deaths against all Deaths. 1940 124,340 230 115 .92 1,854 6.2 1941 103,630 258 127 1.22 1,627 7.8 1942 110,140 249 102 .92 1,410 7.2 1943 112,700 292 102 .90 1,558 6.5 1944 110,970 248 100 .90 1,611 6.2 1945 115,270 260 90 .70 1,478 6.0 1946 134,420 247 83 .61 1,531 5.4 1947 140,150 297 101 .72 1,626 6.2 1948 142,800 230 82 .57 1,573 5.2 1949 144,000 256 59 . |
a385bf87-642a-4a30-8cb7-e15547f1f431 | 41 1,572 3.7 During the first quarter of 1949, the mobile unit for mass miniature radiography visited the district and operated at St. Nicholas' Hospital and at the Woolwich Arsenal. The Health Department assisted in this work and circularised local firms inviting them to co-operate by allowing their employees to take advantage of the facilities. Appointments were made by the department, the campaign was widely advertised and the public responded well. Whilst the main object of this examination was, of course, the early detection of tuberculosis, certain other abnormalities may be detected. The Council has duties under the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1930, concerned with measures for the prevention of tuberculosis, investigations of sources of infection, supervision of the environment of tuberculous persons, together with the keeping of the Notifications Register of all cases in the Borough. The administration of the dispensaries at Eltham and Woolwich is now carried out by the Regional Hospital Board. |
4e1f0c30-d462-478b-9bcc-3fdfb8fb80d9 | The Work of the Dispensaries. I am indebted to Dr. E. V. Saunders.Jacobs, the Chest Physician at the Clinics, for the following observations on the work carried out during 1949. The work carried out at the Clinics continues to increase, although there has been little variation in the number of notifications, and a reduction in the number of deaths. This increase in work is attributable to several factors, including the greater awareness on the part of practitioners and the public of the desirability of early investigation and diagnosis ; and the work of the mass radiography units. Also, modern methods of treatment offer greater hope to patients. In addition to the work at the clinics, the clinic staff undertook Artificial Pneumo.thorax refill clinics at the St. Nicholas' Hospital and at the Brook Hospital. X.ray examinations 30 were made principally at the St. |
bd32b108-275f-42b9-bd67-fc034889b788 | Nicholas' Hospital and at the Memorial Hospital, but also at the Brook and Eltham Cottage Hospitals. Domiciliary treatment was carried out in collaboration with the general practitioners, of patients awaiting admission to and on discharge from hospitals and sanatoria. Plans were in preparation for B.C.G. vaccination to be offered to hospital staffs and to child contacts for their protection. The work of the dispensaries during 1949 is shown below in tabular form:— Table No. 16. 1938. 1947. 1949. |
0448b590-295f-4717-ae16-e413cd4e2db9 | Number of Primary Notifications 248 297 256 Number of Persons examined for first time 1,312 1,968 2,263 Number of Contacts examined 512 505 473 Number of Contacts found to be Tuberculous 21 14 16 Total number of Attendances 5,415 9,472 12,351 Visits to homes of patients by Chest Physicians 285 92 397 Number of X-ray Examinations 1,156 2,983 4,127 Number of specimens of Sputum examined 1,059 1,191 2,338 Number of specimens of Sputum positive 157 134 184 Number of Cases on register at end of year 874 1,438 1.399 The voluntary Care Committee on which the Borough Council is represented, continued to exercise its function of using the funds at its disposal for the purpose of providing assistance to patients and their relatives in emergencies not covered by other agencies. |
e0984622-3eed-4f0d-af10-bae6dfbb30b7 | Help is being given in many ways, including the supply of clothing, shoes, extra nourishment and pocket money, and outings and comforts for elderly patients and children. The funds are derived from interest on investments and donations from both employees of firms in the Borough and from private sources. Thanks are due to the many voluntary workers who collected over £200 by the sale of Christmas Seals. Successful classes have been held twice weekly throughout the year at Maxey Road, for dressmaking and for handicrafts, by the Care Committee in co-operation with the London County Council. Materials for home occupational therapy have also been provided. Disinfection and Disinfestation. The Council's Disinfecting Station is situated at White Hart Road, Plumstead, where there are installed two WashingtonLyon steam disinfectors, one steam washing machine and a room for disinfecting articles which cannot be subjected to heat. Infected articles of bedding, clothing, etc. |
7d2d7246-df31-4561-a3c6-1ee11801bf35 | and articles infested with bugs, are disinfected at the station, but personal clothing of persons treated at the two Cleansing Stations is disinfected at these two stations. During 1949, the Department carried out disinfection of 458 rooms in 323 houses after cases of infectious disease, and of these, 77 premises had been occupied by tuberculous persons. Some 3,627 inspections regarding verminous conditions were made and 1,132 rooms were disinfested of vermin. 75 vanloads of furniture were fumigated during the year. |
9c6ac889-f3da-48e4-8c7c-a8cbbb1cbb9c | 31 The number of articles disinfected at the Disinfecting Station was 6,991, details of the type and number of articles disinfected there being as follows:— Beds 213 Handbags 82 Palliasses 750 Wearing Apparel 459 Pillows 1,416 Boots 2 Bolsters 190 Slippers 10 Quilts 446 Toys 60 Sheets 548 Cushions 217 Blankets 1,318 Library books 140 Curtains 8 Other books 55 Carpets 12 Rugs 11 Sundry other items 1,054 Personal Cleansing. The personal Cleansing Stations are situated adjacent to the Turkish Baths, Plumstead High Street and at the Eltham Hill Health Centre, Sherard Road. Part of the premises at the Turkish Baths was adapted as a Cleansing Station as a temporary measure after the destruction in 1941 of the former Cleansing Station at White Hart Road. |
feed924c-7243-447d-9128-73f62590dd60 | Until it is possible to erect a combined cleansing and disinfecting station, the premises at the Turkish Baths have been structurally altered, enabling the service to be more permanent and efficient. The Turkish Baths and the Cleansing Station are each quite separate establishments. The number of persons cleansed was 1,795 (including contacts), and the number treated for scabies was 200. The total number of attendances was 2.129. Details of the number of cases and attendances at the two Cleansing Stations are given below:— Treatment of Verminous Persons. Pre-school Children. School Children. Adults. Totals. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Men. Women. Number of Cases 54 215 342 1,060 6 118 1,795 Number of Treatments 54 220 348 1,106 6 118 1,852 Treatment of Scabies. Pre-school Children. |
27ab484a-5689-42ca-ab2a-be868df9726d | School Children. Adults. Totals. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Men. Women. Number of Cases 17 14 40 49 23 57 200 Number of Treatments 25 18 64 72 30 68 277 32 APPENDIX Services under the Control of the Local Health Authority (London County Council). The following information regarding health services has been kindly supplied by the Divisional Medical Officer. The health services transferred to the County Council from the Borough Council under the National Health Service Act, 1946, were maintained during 1949. Attendances at the various sessions were on a level corresponding with those of 1948. So far as maternity and child welfare is concerned, a noteworthy development was the acceptance by the County Council of responsibility for the personal health services in the Woolwich Garrison, including the maternity and child welfare clinic. |
c2cc26e8-6896-49d7-a28e-5a01b9ccbd39 | The services provided are also available to the civilian population ; infant welfare, ante-natal and immunisation and vaccination sessions are held. There was considerable development of the home help service. The number of cases attended on 5th July, 1948 (177) rose to 485 on 31st December, 1949, whilst the number of part-time home helps rose from 91 to 227. The continued popularity of the chiropody service was evident by the demand for treatment. A link-up with the school medical service was provided by the reference of school-children to the foot clinics for the treatment of verucca paedis. By this method early and effective treatment is ensured. On 31st December, 1949, registration had been effected under the provisions of the Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act, 1948, of 8 child minders with a capacity for the care of 41 children. |
a55e25a8-e4ae-4d31-8a41-b2ba7aeb3df0 | Under the County Council's voluntary registration scheme for persons undertaking the care of not more than two children, there were 17 child minders on the panel, 10 of whom were minding children. Clinics under the Control of the London County Council on the 31st December, 1949. Woolwich Central Health Centre, Child Welfare and Ante-natal, Sunlight, Market Street, Woolwich. Physical Medicine, Chiropody, Dental, cination, Diphtheria Immunisation, Minor Ailments and Toddlers. Plumstead Health Centre, Child Welfare and Ante-natal, Chiropody, Plumstead High Street, Diphtheria Immunisation, Minor Ailments, Toddlers, Vaccination, Whooping Cough Immunisation. Lionel Road, Child Welfare and Ante-natal, Diphtheria Eltham. Immunisation, Toddlers, Vaccination and Whooping Cough Immunisation. |
8fe2c634-acab-4df5-a36c-508e14b529b6 | Garland Road, Infant welfare and Ante-natal, Toddlers. Plumstead. Bardhill Sports Pavilion Ante-natal. Footscray Road, Eltham. St. Luke's Church Hall, Child Welfare. Westmount Road. Fernhill Street, Child Welfare and Ante-natal, Chiropody, North Woolwich. Toddlers. 137, Alnwick Road, Child Welfare and Ante-natal, Toddlers. S.E. 12. Shrewsbury House, Child Welfare. Plumstead. Military Families' Hospital, Child Welfare and Ante-natal, Vaccination, Woolwich. Diphtheria Immunisation and Whooping Cough Immunisation. 595, Westhorne Avenue, Minor Ailments. Eltham. 33 Middle Park Avenue, Minor Ailments. Eltham. Eltham Hill Health Centre, Chiropody. |
8ef62897-c85a-4a56-9034-b7a7d6d79667 | Sherard Road. School Treatment Centres. Woolwich Central Health Centre, Minor Ailments. Market Street, Woolwich. Plumstead Health Centre, Minor Ailments, Dental. Plumstead High Street. St. Nicholas' Hospital, Aural. Plumstead. Sub-Centre, Middle Park School, Minor Ailments. Eltham. Rusthall Lodge, Rheumatism, Nutrition, Speech Therapy. 46, Southend Crescent, Eltham. 595, Westhorne Avenue, Minor Ailments, Vision, Dental. Eltham. Day Nurseries. Nil. Ambulance Facilities. In accordance with the provisions of the National Health Service Act, 1946, the London County Council, as local health authority for the Administrative County of London, provides the following ambulance services free of charge:— (a) Accidents and Sudden Illness. |
43c8e7f8-1d42-4244-a571-acc478b08a33 | For the conveyance to hospital of persons meeting with accidents (in the home or elsewhere) or suffering from sudden illness (in streets, public places or places of employment) within the County of London. The ambulance may be called by private, public or police telephone ; full instructions are given in every telephone box. Where the dialling system is in operation "999" should be dialled and the operator asked for " Ambulance." No charge is made for the use of the telephone if the call is made from a public call-box. (b) Maternity Cases. For the removal of maternity cases to hospitals, etc. Normally, if the expectant mother has booked a bed at a hospital or nursing home, she is in possession of a white card (Form L.A.S. 23) confirming the booking arrangements and giving full instructions for summoning the ambulance. |
7429fbd6-2bc7-47d2-a0ec-6acc6c13f090 | In other cases, where no prior arrangements have been made and urgent admission to hospital is deemed necessary, an ambulance should be summoned by dialling REGent 4000-1; CENtral 6301-2 ; RELiance 3622; WATerloo 6000 or NEW Cross 2645. (c) Analgesia Apparatus. For the delivery to addresses within the County of London of analgesia apparatus. Orders for this service are normally accepted only from the London County Council's domiciliary midwives. (d) Removal of Sick Persons. For the removal to hospitals, etc. of sick persons from any place in London. Full particulars and arrangements for removal can be obtained by telephoning WATerloo 3311 or writing to the Officer-in-Charge, London Ambulance Service, The County Hall, S.E. 1. (e) Facilities in North Woolwich Area. |
b68c9b54-cbc0-45ea-a985-58de9140f8b7 | The West Ham Ambulance Service undertakes, on behalf of the London County Council, ambulance work in the two parts of the Borough which lie north of the River Thames. For accidents or sudden illness, an ambulance may be summoned as in (a ) above. Ambulances for the removal of maternity cases and sick persons from these areas are obtainable by telephoning GRAngewood 3050. Services under the Control of the Regional Hospital Board. Since the inception of the National Health Service in July, 1948, the administration of the hospitals and chest clinics in the area has been carried out by the Woolwich Group Hospital Management Committee. I am indebted to the Secretary of the Group Committee for the following information on hospital facilities in the area. 34 The three chief general hospitals serving the district are : the Brook General Hospital, with a bed complement of 644 ; the Memorial Hospital (137 beds) ; and St. Nicholas' Hospital (255 beds). |
01cdc2a5-fcdc-48fc-b8a4-7535e04d04c8 | Another hospital serving the area is the Eltham and Mottingham Hospital with 42 beds. The British Hospital for Mothers and Babies, has at the present time a bed complement of 70 [40 at Woolwich and 30 at Paddock Wood (Moatlands) ]. It has been necessary to adopt a system of priorities to ensure that accommodation is available for maternity cases for whom, on medical or social grounds, treatment in hospital is considered to be essential. Owing to a shortage of nursing staff there has been insufficient accommodation available for medical cases and this has resulted in overcrowding in the wards. However, this position has been alleviated to some extent by bringing into use at the Brook General Hospital additional beds for medical cases. At other hospitals the full complement of beds has continued to be staffed. Since July, 1948, three additional wards consisting of 91 beds have been opened at the Brook General Hospital for female medical cases, male pulmonary tuberculosis patients and male surgical cases. |
72f51a25-628a-4460-aedc-58abdd18cce0 | Several adaptations (including new X-ray and physiotherapy departments, and new operating theatres) at this hospital are nearing completion. A large number of cases of infectious disease is admitted for treatment at the Brook General Hospital. A small unit of six cots for ophthalmia neonatorum cases has also been opened in the infectious diseases section of the hospital. Cases of poliomyelitis are admitted for treatment at the hospital. Approval to a proposal to build a new out-patient department at the Memorial Hospital has been given by the Ministry of Health, and it is hoped to commence building works during 1950. Further extensions adjacent to the Memorial Hospital are also contemplated. Progress has been made in the purchase of suitable land for the provision of a new out-patient department at St. Nicholas' Hospital. Since July, 1948, it has been possible to bring a further 20 beds into use at the hospital. |
6b6bc1d6-561a-41ea-b0da-3891afa7067c | In-patients are treated for respiratory tuberculosis in all the general hospitals in the area, the majority at the Brook General Hospital. A small number of cases of non-respiratory tuberculosis have also been treated as in-patients. There are no beds in the area for sanatorium or convalescent treatment, but arrangements are made for the admission of suitable patients to sanatoria and convalescent hospitals. In addition to the children's wards in the general hospitals, a special children's unit at Goldie Leigh Hospital, with a bed complement of 266, deals exclusively with dermatological diseases in children who are admitted from all parts of the country. The majority of the major surgical work is being performed at the Memorial and St. Nicholas' Hospitals. In an endeavour to improve arrangements for the admission of cases of emergency, an Admissions Office for the area was opened during 1949 and later the Emergency Bed Service took over the organisation by establishing an area office to assist medical practitioners in this matter. |
47cd65ba-e77a-4a6d-b8cf-7525e70b67eb | Attendance at hospital out-patient departments in the Borough has greatly increased during the past year. The need for further accommodation in the area for the chronic sick patient is recognised. Orthopaedic clinics for the treatment of fractures, accident cases, etc., have been opened at the St. Nicholas and Eltham and Mottingham Hospitals, in addition to the clinic already functioning at the Memorial Hospital. Hospital dental treatment is given to patients when specially recommended by general practitioners. Clinics under the Control of the Regional Hospital Board:— Maxey Road, Plumstead Tuberculosis 11, Carnecke Gardens, Eltham Dispensaries. A report on the work of the Tuberculosis Dispensaries during the year 1949 will be found on page 30. 8, Thomas Street, Woolwich Orthopaedic 35 K.I. Printing "Works (T.TJ.) Woolwich S.E.18 |
59ab1e57-53c0-44e0-a168-60413c4d5589 | AC 4372 Woo 50 metropolitan borough of woolwich ANNUAL REPORT on the Health of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich for the Year 1950 BY T. STANDRING, M.D., B.S., D.P.H., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Medical Officer of Health TABLE OF CONTENTS page Health Committee 3 Preface 4 Staff 7 General Statistics 8 Vital Statistics 8 Sanitary Administration 13 Housing 22 Health Education 24 Inspection and Supervision of Food 25 Prevalence and Control of Infectious Disease (including Disinfection, Disinfestation and Personal Cleansing) 34 Laboratory Facilities 39 Parks and Open Spaces 39 HEALTH COMMITTEE At 31st December, 1950. THE WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR (Councillor Mrs. E. Brooks, j.p.) Alderman Mrs. |
8d3a0757-1f3e-4679-95f6-c116cb093891 | J. R. Whiting (Chairman) Councillor G. E. Offord (Vice-Chairman) Alderman— L. A. Heath Councillors— T. G. Blann D. J. O'Byrne N. G. Burbridge Mrs. M. E. Polley G. S. Dean D. S. Ramsey A. H. Gilder, m.b.e., j.p. Mrs. K. M. Rance Mrs. A. E. Maxwell D. S. Ritchie Mrs. E. R. M. Middleton D. P. Walsh 3 PREFACE To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich. Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to submit the Fiftieth Annual Report on the health of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich. The Report is prepared along the lines indicated by the Minister of Health. |
e32a0429-a973-44f5-9103-4018cd8650bf | The general standard of the health of the Borough during the year may be regarded as satisfactory. The Registrar-General's estimate of the population in mid-1950 was 149,000 (Home Population). This figure is the number of civilians resident in the Borough (144,000) plus members of the Armed Forces stationed in the Borough, estimated to be approximately 5,000. The vital statistics for 1950 and for future years must be calculated on the Home Population, so that in the case of the birth and death rates it is not possible to present a just comparison with the rates for the last few years, which were calculated on the civilian population. Compared with the previous year there was an increase of 96 in the total number of deaths, due mainly to an increase of 65 in the number of deaths from heart disease. There were 13 deaths from road accidents, against six in 1949. |
648dc0f8-b039-4abc-9a60-f0163ab79ba2 | Heart diseases account for nearly a quarter of the total deaths in the Borough, whilst one in every five deaths is attributable to cancer. Cancer is mainly a disease of the elderly and the general ageing of the population explains much of this increase. Again, improved medical diagnosis accounts for some increase. But this is not the whole story and it seems that there must be a genuine, if small, increased incidence of the disease. It is to be hoped that medical science will now soon find the solution to the cancer problem. In the meantime, diagnosis and treatment at the earliest possible moment is the main safeguard. The infant death rate, i.e., the number of deaths of children under one year for each 1,000 births, is now 24.4, which is easily the lowest on record in Woolwich. There were only 53 deaths of children under one year, being 18 fewer than the previous lowest total in 1942. A large proportion of these deaths occurred in children under one week. |
c49c5983-9a0e-4fcd-a8b9-ecea81dc0998 | From the table in the body of the Report showing the chief vital statistics for the Borough since 1921, it will be seen that in that year there were 197 infant deaths. The number has steadily declined, but even twelve years ago there were 103 infant deaths. During the last fifty years, the Borough's infant death rate has been consistently below the rate for London and that for England and Wales. With regard to infectious disease, due to a reduction in the number of measles' notifications in 1950, total notifications were 1,791, being 1,300 fewer than in 1949. It is a pleasure to record that for the first time in the history of the Borough, there were no confirmed cases of diphtheria. When it is recalled that as recently as 1939 there were more than 500 confirmed cases in Woolwich alone in that year, those concerned with the diphtheria immunisation campaign may take just pride in this achievement. |
eb28fb23-7c36-4d52-83c1-30ab60b19255 | The Borough Council has long been active in campaigning for the immunisation of all young children, and there is no doubt that the work carried out in this field before and during the war years is reaping rich benefits. An outbreak of poliomyelitis occurred during the summer and autumn of 1950 and there was a high incidence of cases in the Borough. There were 52 confirmed notifications, compared with 25 in 1949 and 23 in the 1947 outbreak. Fortunately, the proportion of fatal cases was again extremely low—only one death being due to poliomyelitis and one to polioencephalitis. In the great majority of the cases there was either little or no paralysis. 4 In the section of the Report dealing with tuberculosis, reference is made to the substantial drop in the number of deaths from this disease during the past few years. Since 1941, the Woolwich tuberculosis death rate has dropped from one death per thousand persons to .4 in 1950. |
9b4b9f54-6914-43a8-80a2-868960cfc90e | This is indeed most encouraging. On the occasion of the recent visit to the Borough of the mass radiography unit some 16,000 persons were examined. One of the Council's most important health activities is that of health education and during 1950 it was possible to increase further the Department's Health Education work. Following the purchase of a new film projector, a comprehensive winter programme of informal talks and film sessions on health and allied subjects was undertaken. Much of this educational work deals with various aspects of hygiene and the observance of clean and hygienic practices in the preparation, handling and storage of food, and simple precautions to be observed in preventing spread of infection. The talks are designed to present their subject in an interesting and instructive manner. Towards the end of the year the Council decided to inaugurate a series of food hygiene lectures to food handlers working in the Borough. |
b6896d18-27a5-4384-b6cd-40673bd2835b | Arrangements were also in hand to give another series of lectures to the canteen staff at one of the large Woolwich factories and for a further series of lectures to food handlers in the Eltham district. With the object of making the lives of old people more comfortable and less lonely, special attention is being directed by many to the welfare of the elderly. It is, I believe, important that elderly people, whose numbers are increasing each year, should be encouraged to live normal independent lives for as long as possible in their own homes. More than 1,000 visits were paid during the year to the homes of elderly people in the Borough by the two women sanitary inspectors. In this way it is possible to help many of those old folk who are living without reasonable comfort or companionship. Some of these people rely on neighbours and friends to help them to do their shopping, cooking, write their letters and help them with other jobs about the house. |
60d2e89e-d91a-48c4-8e2c-8a62ecd818dc | The Council has considered what further help it can give to the elderly, and has given financial assistance to organisations providing meals, and approved a contribution towards the cost involved in the home visitation of old people and for the services of a part-time organiser to supervise the regular visitation of the elderly. A fine new home for the aged, provided by the London County Council in Plumstead Common Road, was nearing completion at the end of the year. It provides accommodation for 92 old persons. During the year discussions have taken place on the resumption of slum clearance work in the Borough, and the London County Council has now agreed with the Borough Council's proposal that the clearance and redevelopment of the Lord Warwick Street Clearance Area (forming part of the larger area known as "the St. Mary's Redevelopment Area") should be carried out by the Borough Council. A detailed survey of this area is in hand. |
488e78b1-6f36-4457-bfde-958eeec6385d | The Council has also considered a comprehensive schedule of further possible clearance areas in the Borough and is keen to begin slum clearance work again. I hope it will not now be long delayed. Woolwich has a proud record in the provision of houses. A further 331 new houses were completed by the Council in 1950 and 127 by private enterprise. Yet hardly a day passes without one hearing or receiving a letter about some of the hundreds of families who are living with their in-laws or in one or two furnished rooms in which they are sharing the kitchen, and most probably the bathroom (if there is one in the house). In their efforts to maintain the many older type houses in the Borough in a reasonable state of repair, the district sanitary inspectors have had a difficult task. It has become increasingly difficult to get owners to carry out essential repairs. |
2ec126ac-1ed6-4a0e-8e7c-04fa4f876c3b | At a time when the largest number of houses possible must be fit for occupation 5 the financial burden placed upon many owners, due to the cost of repairs exceeding the amount of rents derived from property, means that a proportion of houses which it is essential should be kept in good repair will the more rapidly deteriorate. This is indeed one of the most pressing problems of our time. During a particularly busy year, some 40,000 inspections, including reinspections, were made by the sanitary inspectors. This is almost 9,000 more than in the previous year. A new scheme of clerical assistance to the sanitary inspectors was brought into operation at the beginning of the year, and, being relieved of much clerical work, the inspectors were able to spend the fullest amount of time on their technical duties. During recent years, and particularly during 1950, there has been an increase in the number of complaints alleging foreign bodies in food. |
7a4689d7-ad8e-41cb-9b7f-7a490c826389 | The complaints have related to: Glass splinters, dirt, a chestnut and a beetle in milk; mites and cigarette ash in bread; a nail in meat pie; metal in a date slice; glass and flour mites in bread; a glass splinter in sausage; and maggoty cake. In several cases there was evidence of carelessness in preparation and in a number of cases legal proceedings were instituted. Particular attention has again been paid to the supervision of food premises, including the cafes, restaurants and canteens, and frequent visits are paid to the Beresford Square stallholders. During the year, in order to encourage personal hygiene, the Council decided to institute a free "wash-and-brush-up" service at the Beresford Square convenience. At the end of the year, after a six months' trial, the working of the service was reviewed, and it was found that increased use had been made of the washing facilities. |
3c781d4f-bf6a-44a4-88c8-85fa2f21154c | I believe that the extension of these free facilities to five other major public conveniences in the Borough will more than justify the small additional expense in maintaining this service. The number of animals arriving for slaughter at the one large abattoir in the Borough has increased by some 14,000 during the last two years. The total number of animals inspected by Meat Inspectors during the year was 49,945. Far more time than is usually necessary has been devoted to atmospheric pollution. There have been numerous complaints of nuisances from smoke and dust from factory chimneys. Altogether, 450 observations were made during 1950. Consultations with the management in these cases usually has the effect of reducing the amount of smoke. However, in the case of three factories in particular, frequent visits were necessary before there was some improvement. The Council has again been concerned in the matter of the offensive smells from the River Thames. This problem has, unfortunately, only a long-term solution. |
fd71cf73-f680-4325-8ea6-2f7937fff56a | The first stage of capital works at the Outfalls is now in progress. Following representations by the Borough Council, the Minister of Health assured the Council that he will be ready to authorise a further large-scale scheme of improvement in the autumn of 1951, i.e., before the present improvement work has been completed. During 1950 there was further evidence of the value of the work being carried out by the Council with regard to rat destruction. This is clearly shown by the fact that, whilst 5,000 more inspections were carried out during 1950 than in the previous year, the number of infested premises found was approximately 500 less than those found in 1949. Close co-operation has been maintained with the County Council and the local hospitals. |
aa82c439-33fb-4d94-ade9-555490a278b2 | I have continued to act for the Local Health Authority in the day-today administration of their personal health services, 6 I desire to thank members of the Council for their continued confidence and support and also members of the staff for valuable work during the year and for the help they have given me personally. I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, T. STANDRING. HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF Medical Officer of Health— T. STANDRING, M.D., B.S., D.P.H., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Administrative and Clerical— Chief Administrative Assistant—T. H. Prescott Senior Clerk and Committee Clerk—-A. Healey. Clerical Assistants— R. E. SWEETT R. H. Thomas (appointed 16th January, 1950) Mrs. |
accfe434-0022-412d-bc59-756d562fd7be | E. M. Page Miss E. C. Nicolson Miss M. N. Prigmore Miss M. A. Reavil H. R. Hart (joined H.M. Forces, 12th May, 1950) L. W. Jago (resigned 14th September, 1950) C. Burgess G. Ryan J. Kay (appointed 6th November, 1950) K. Doubleday (temporary ; appointed 19th June, 1950). Sanitary Inspectors— Chief Sanitary Inspector—C. J. Couch. Sanitary Inspectors—H.W. |
4e02a1dc-9187-4f41-b2d9-34fc665a42cc | Pendrill F. A. Andrew H. M. Kersey F. J. Hoines W. F. Wheal W. McLelland E. Rees Miss M. F. Thomas Miss B. Hatfield R. A. Leach W. F. Troughton R. Lincoln K. S. Cooper K. J. Coppin J. A. Orrell K. A. Bennett J. B. O'Connell R. H. Pasterfield Public Analyst (Part-time)— H. Amphlett Williams, Ph.d. (Lond.), a.c.g.f.c., f.r.i.c. 7 GENERAL STATISTICS Area of Borough 8,282 statute acres Number of houses 38,424 Number of persons per acre 18.0 Rateable Value (March, 1950) £1,202,783 Sum represented by a Penny Rate £4,850 VITAL STATISTICS Extracts from the vital statistics for the year are shown below:— Table No. 1. |
95eafc1a-d563-4916-af10-c979c129c706 | Population (Home, i.e., including members of H.M. |
18e7816a-4c44-44ac-922e-23c380244e97 | Forces stationed in the district) 149,000 Live Births—Legitimate 2,073 Live Births—Illegitimate 99 Total Live Births 2,172 Birth Rate 14.57 Stillbirths 42 Stillbirths—Rate per 1,000 total births 18.0 Deaths 1,668 Death Rate per 1,000 population 11.2 Maternal Deaths 2 Death Rate from Puerperal Causes per 1,000 total births .92 Deaths of Infants under one year 53 Death Rate of Infants under one year of age:— (a) All Infants 24.4 (b) Legitimate Infants 23.0 (c) Illegitimate Infants 30.3 Deaths from Tuberculosis (all forms) 58 Deaths from Cancer (all ages) 330 Deaths from Whooping Cough 0 Deaths from Diarrhoea (under 2 years of age) 2 8 Births. |
3e5ba678-a303-4e35-9ed4-7e1407fb83b4 | The number of live births registered in Woolwich during 1950 was 1,911. After correction for inward and outward transfers, the net number of Woolwich live births was 2,172, being 332 less than in the previous year. Of the total births, 1,074 were boys and 1,098 girls. It is known that 2,018 births took place in public institutions in the Borough, of which 1,183 concerned Woolwich mothers. The birth rate was 14.5 which, when adjusted to allow for the differing age and sex distribution of the population in various parts of the country, gives a birth rate of 14.4, compared with the birth rate for England and Wales of 15.8 and for London of 17.8. There were 40 stillbirths during the year under review. Natural Increase in Population (i.e., Excess of Births over Deaths). |
f9f353ce-cd0d-48e1-8fa8-7ff0a9e6d729 | In 1948 the natural increase in population was 954; in 1949, 932; and in 1950, 500. Deaths. The number of deaths registered in Woolwich was 1,311 and after correction for inward and outward transfers the net number was 1,668, giving a death rate of 11.2 for the Borough. This figure is slightly higher than for the previous year (10.9), but in comparing the two it must be borne in mind that the rate for 1950 is calculated on the home population, which includes members of the Armed Forces stationed in the area, whereas the rates for the last nine years have been calculated on the estimated civilian population. The adjusted death rate for Woolwich was 10.7, compared with 11.8 for London and 11.6 for England and Wales. |
83692931-03f0-48be-acc5-1c8285dd8b80 | Deaths of Woolwich residents in hospitals in the Borough totalled 333 (280 in 1949), whilst 312 died in other hospitals within the London area and 143 in hospitals outside the London area. Of the total number of deaths, 330 were from Cancer, of which 175 occurred in men and 155 in women. There were two maternal deaths during the year, compared with one in the previous year. Inquests. There were 50 inquests held on Woolwich residents during the year, and 301 post-mortems on Woolwich residents were carried out on behalf of the Coroner. Infant Mortality. The number of infant deaths has continued to fall, and during 1950 was the lowest on record, there being only 53 deaths of children under 1 year. |
19f57d35-3102-403a-ad45-fe604ea3df5d | The infant death rate was 24.4 per 1,000 live births, compared with 28.7 in 1949, and 27-0 in 1947, the previous lowest figure for the Borough. The Woolwich infant death rate compares very favourably with that for England and Wales for 1950 (29.8) and for London (26.3). The number of infant deaths is 18 fewer than occurred in 1942, the previous lowest figure for the Borough. The number of deaths occurring in the first week of life was 36. Marriages. There were 1,324 marriages in the Borough during 1950, of which 834 took place in churches. The remaining 490 took place at the Woolwich Register Office. 9 Table No. 2. Nett Deaths during the Calendar Year 1950, but including Non-residents in Institutions in the Borough. Causes of Death. |
994e977d-8d94-469b-b693-c7f88dbb6507 | Nett Deaths at the subjoined ages of " residents" whether occurring within or without the district. Deaths in Public Institutions. All Ages. Under 1 year. 1 and under 2 years. 2 and under 5 years. 5 and under 15 years. 15 and under 25 years. 25 and under 35 years. 35 and under 45 years. 45 and under 55 years. 55 and under 65 years. 65 and under 75 years. 75 years and upwards. In Borough Outlying Institu tions. Residents. NonRsdts. All Causes 1668 53 5 8 6 9 33 53 134 249 475 644 333 156 455 Tuberculosis, respiratory 53 — - - - 1 11 11 9 7 12 2 8 2 23 Tuberculosis, |
4f03f312-a37d-49f5-bb41-598f468e4d59 | other 5 1 — - 1 - 1 - - 1 1 1 1 4 Syphilitic disease 7 — — — — — — — - - 4 3 - - 5 Diphtheria — — — — — — — — - - - - - - - Whooping Cough - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Meningococcal infections 1 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Acute poliomyelitis 1 — — — — — — — 1 - - - - - 1 Measles - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Other infective and parasitic diseases 6 — — — - - 2 - 1 3 - - - - 1 Malignant neoplasm, |
cf50c3a9-2ab1-4620-a152-533e6eeb114f | stomach 45 — — — — — — 3 4 5 19 14 10 6 9 Malignant neoplasm, lung, bronchus 71 - - - - - 1 2 12 22 24 10 18 4 26 Malignant neoplasm, breast 24 - - - - - - 1 4 5 6 8 3 1 3 Malignant neoplasm, uterus 20 — — — — — — 1 4 8 4 3 4 - 6 Other malignant and lymphatic neoplasms 170 1 1 1 — — 2 6 23 37 51 48 40 16 54 Leukaemia, aleukaemia 8 — — 1 - 1 1 - - 5 - - 3 1 4 Diabetes 15 — — — - - 1 - 1 2 4 7 2 - |
779a628e-cf6d-4884-a8fd-571e01a1a0c5 | 7 Vascular lesions of nervous system 170 - - - - - 1 — 9 20 57 83 20 16 41 Coronary disease angina 222 — — — — — — 4 15 52 74 77 41 18 30 Hypertension with heart disease 42 — — — — — — — 5 3 15 19 12 9 14 Other heart disease 287 — — — — — — 7 11 17 64 188 25 5 69 Other circulatory disease 59 — — — — - - - 6 7 15 31 16 5 20 Influenza 6 1 — - - - - - - 1 1 3 - - 1 Pneumonia 65 8 2 — — — 1 1 3 4 20 26 18 13 20 Bronchitis 80 — — - — — — 1 |
64a97d36-0f38-4abf-bda4-099873a1f0ef | 5 10 23 41 6 1 16 Other diseases of respiratory system 15 — — — 1 — 2 — 2 3 6 1 4 3 11 Ulcer of stomach and duodenum 30 - - - - - - - 3 8 11 8 15 4 6 Gastritis, enteritis and diarrhoea 8 1 1 2 - - 2 2 3 1 3 Nephritis and Nephrosis 18 — — 1 — ! 1 3 - 3 8 1 6 2 7 Hypherplasia of prostate 22 — — — — — — — 2 7 13 10 2 8 Pregnancy, childbirth, |
a9373646-42e7-459e-84cb-905a29f1a18f | abortion 2 — — — - 2 - - - - - - - 1 Congenital malformations 10 5 — 1 '- - - 2 - 1 - 1 3 2 4 Other defined and ill-defined diseases 158 35 — 2 1 2 4 7 9 16 40 42 50 30 47 Motor vehicle accidents 13 — — 1 2 - 2 1 1 1 1 4 5 4 5 All other accidents 20 — 1 1 1 - - 2 1 3 5 6 6 10 6 Suicide 15 — — — - 2 1 1 5 2 2 2 4 3 Homicide and operations of war - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Table No. 3. |
9a2d2a19-c49a-4b65-808d-42dbb01f6168 | Birth Rates, Death Rates and Analysis of Mortality in the Year 1950. Rate per 1,000 Population. Annual Death Rate per 1,000 Population. Rate per 1,000 Live Births. Live Births. Still Births. All Causes Tuberculosis Acute Poliomyelitis incuding Polio encephalitis Smallpox Whooping Cough Diphtheria Influenza Pneumonia Typhoid Partyphoid Fevers.. Diarrhoea and Enteritis (under 2 years) Total Deaths under 1 year. England and Wales 15.8 0.37 11.6 0.36 0.02 — 0.01 0.00 0.10 0.46 0.00 1.9 29.8 126 County Boroughs and Great Towns, including London 17.6 0.45 12.3 0.42 0. |
1ae5ca8c-c5d0-4a5a-8bdb-dc5ed1a65966 | 02 - 0.01 0.00 0.09 0.49 0.00 2.2 33.8 148 Smaller Towns (Resident Populations, 25,000 to 50,000 at Census, 1931) 16.7 0.38 11.6 0.33 0.02 - 0.01 0.00 0.10 0.45 0.00 1.6 29.4 London 17.8 0.36 11.8 0.39 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.07 0.48 0.00 1.0 26.3 WOOLWICH 14.4 0.26 10.7 0.38 0.01 . |
e0103cf5-de2e-4912-be73-d08085e43bc2 | — 0 .00 0.00 0.04 0.44 0.00 1.0 24.4 The birth and death rates locally and nationally are compared in the following table Table:— 11 The chief Vital Statistics since 1921 are given in the following Table:— Table No. 4. Year. Population estimated to middle of each Year. Births. Nett Deaths belonging to the District. Nett. Under 1 Year. At all Ages. Number. Rate. Number. Rate per 1,000 nett Births. Number. Rate. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) 1921 a 141,700 3,197 23.2 197 62 1,594 11.6 b 137,604 1922 a 142,350 2,941 21. |
bf201af3-6eef-4e62-855b-b37d1dccb6a2 | 3 184 63 1,603 11.6 b 138,254 1923 a 143,530 2,867 20.5 123 43 1,387 9.9 b 140,000 1924 a 144,400 2,590 18.5 168 65 1,543 11.0 b 139,980 1925 a 145,440 2,582 18.3 141 55 1,519 10.8 b 140,740 1926 a 146,200 2,463 17.4 107 43 1,450 10.2 b 141,900 1927 a 144,770 2,242 15.9 95 42 1,491 10.6 b 140,770 1928 a 146,600 2,269 16.1 114 50 1,554 11. |
d3e50d20-eff0-4ee9-bb07-eca7b74dc12b | 0 b 141,100 1929 a 146,800 2,312 16.3 144 62 1,780 12.6 b 141,600 1930 a 146,800 2,188 15.5 91 42 1,547 10.9 b 141,600 1931 a 147,400 2,155 15.1 128 59 1,654 11.6 b 142,600 1932 a 146,400 2,054 14.0 123 60 1,635 11.1 1933 a 146,200 1,857 12.7 116 62 1,634 11.2 1934 a 145,520 2,000 13.7 127 63 1,650 11.3 1935 a 146,400 2,053 14.0 91 44 1, |
7e43b292-895b-42a9-ad3c-3d08a9bcd484 | 500 10.2 1936 a 146,500 2,017 13.8 121 59 1,649 11.2 1937 a 149,400 2,125 14.2 86 40 1,660 11.1 1938 a 150,900 2,057 13.6 102 50 1,576 10.4 1939 a 150,800 2,133 14.1 103 49 1,592 11.1 1940 b 124,340 1,846 14.8 66 36 1,854 14.9 1941 b 103,630 1,459 14.0 65 42 1,627 15.7 1942 b 110,140 2,036 18.5 71 34 1,410 12.8 1943 b 112,700 2, |
9ac88671-d98f-4fb9-a4c0-912ed56110a2 | 174 19.3 77 35 1,558 13.8 1944 b 110,970 2,037 18.3 83 40 1,611 14.5 1945 b 115,270 2,021 17.5 83 41 1,478 12.8 1946 b 134,420 2,903 21.6 91 31 1,531 11.4 1947 b 140,150 3,193 22.8 87 27.25 1,626 11.6 1948 b 142,800 2,527 17.7 74 29.28 1,573 11.0 1949 b 144,000 2,504 17.4 72 28.75 1,572 10.9 1950 c 149,000 2,172 14.6 53 24. |
2bda17d0-2b7a-4ce1-9ead-96f845e3549e | 40 1.668 11.2 a—Total population. b—Civil population. c—Home population. 12 Vital Statistics for 1950 for the Wards of the Borough:— Table No. 5. Wards. Births. Deaths. Legitimate. Illegitimate Stillbirths. Under 1 year. All Ages. Dockyard 56 5 — 3 74 St. Mary's 67 4 — 1 44 River 87 8 1 4 89 St. George's 134 9 3 3 40 WOOLWICH 344 26 4 11 247 Burrage 82 7 2 1 85 Herbert 132 3 3 2 104 Glyndon 103 3 2 2 74 St. Margaret's 201 12 5 9 174 Central 104 8 1 2 109 St. |
bc62a179-b27d-4fc0-a6ab-1ff542f79b23 | Nicholas 181 7 1 5 126 Abbey Wood 155 7 6 — 154 PLUMSTEAD 958 47 20 21 826 Well Hall 122 6 2 2 123 Avery Hill 327 7 5 7 207 Sherard 322 13 9 12 265 ELTHAM 771 26 16 21 595 BOROUGH 2,073 99 40 53 1,668 SANITARY ADMINISTRATION Staff. The staff of the Sanitary Section at the end of the year consisted of the Chief Inspector, sixteen men inspectors and two women inspectors. Clerical Assistance for Sanitary Inspectors. A revised scheme of clerical assistance to the sanitary inspectors was brought into operation on the 1st January. The sanitary inspectors have been relieved of much clerical work arising from their duties, thus allowing them to spend the fullest amount of time on their technical duties. |
cf07799e-2931-48e2-90e3-cabb79b6183b | The benefit of this scheme was felt during the year. Sanitary Inspection of the Area. During the year, 39,425 inspections, including re-inspections, were carried out by the sanitary inspectors, being almost 9,000 more than in the previous year. The nature of these inspections is shown in Table No. 6, and details of nuisances abated are given in Table No. 7. The number of intimation notices served as a result was 2,835, and the number of statutory notices 1,866. 13 Table No. 6.—Inspections. |
ad518a5a-cd1e-4a5b-9de7-fd0cacb2c024 | Complaints investigated 4,023 Tents and Vans 3 Complaints re-inspections 10,218 Factories 419 Outworkers' premises 139 Workplaces 18 Houses re Overcrowding 640 Shops Act 383 New houses re water supply 604 Food premises 3,218 Houses re infectious disease 460 Itinerant vendors 26 Houses re smallpox contacts 19 Complaints re Food 116 Houses re verminous cases 2,944 Pharmacy and Poisons 29 Houses re scabies cases 41 National Assistance Act 13 Houses re other diseases 63 Water sampling and testing 53 Houses re Housing Act 509 Rodent Control 3,308 House-to-house inspections 85 Smoke observations 450 Rent Restrictions Act 14 Theatres and cinemas 13 Aged and infirm persons 1,162 Urinals accessible to the public 74 Common Lodging Houses 34 Women's Lavatories 105 Hostels 5 Miscellaneous 10,261 Table No. |
53f1d240-8b57-4c08-8fa6-3ddfee54e1fe | 7.—Nuisances Abated. Dirty conditions 1,275 Drainage defects 1,363 Damp conditions 4,948 Water closet defects 1,400 Dilapidations 6,205 Dustbins provided 486 Verminous rooms cleansed 1,052 Water supply defects 214 Defective lighting 393 Foul accumulations removed 48 Defective ventilation 398 Overcrowding remedied 76 Defective paving 200 Miscellaneous 130 Complaints. 4,023 complaints of nuisance (compared with 4,703 in 1949) were received and investigated. The necessary action was taken where defects or nuisances were discovered. Water Supply. The Metropolitan Water Board is responsible for the water supply for all domestic purposes in the Borough, all dwelling-houses being supplied direct from the public water mains. Wells. There are now only eight wells in use in the Borough, and these are used chiefly for trade and kindred purposes. |
be524476-18ca-406d-a01f-6cc796e93218 | One private spring in the Woolwich Borough is at Conduit Meadows, Eltham. There are three private deep wells used for trade purposes and also deep wells at the Council's Woolwich and Plumstead Baths and at the refuse destructor plant at Plumstead. Another deep well, the supply from which is unfit for drinking, is situate in the Royal Dockyard. Other wells within the Borough have been sealed off and there is no access to them. Drainage. The inspection of new drains is carried out by the Borough Engineer, and reconstruction and repair of drainage work supervised by the Health Department. Building Licences. During the year, 1,983 applications for building licences were received by the Borough Engineer and licences were issued in respect of 1,246 of these applications. Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933. This Act places upon Metropolitan Borough Councils the duty of enforcing the provisions of the Act relating to poisons in Part II of the Poisons List. |
35e1e19c-26fc-4ff7-b9c0-f668d0188fc1 | At the end of the year the number of sellers of Part II Poisons (other than registered Pharmacists) on the list maintained by the Council was 145. This number includes 12 new registrations during the year. 14 Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts. During 1950 the Health Committee authorised the issue of certificates in respect of seven dwelling houses, the premises in question not being in a reasonable state of repair. The Committee also considered two applications for revocation of existing certificates of unfitness and authorised the issue of one such certificate on being satisfied that the necessary repairs to put the house in a reasonable state of fitness had been executed. Factories Act, 1937. Table No. 8. Details of inspections carried out during 1950:— Premises. No. on Register. Number of Inspections. Written Notices. Occupiers prosecuted. |
c24ff38d-9cdd-4e56-bd04-d33fba5d854e | (i) Factories in which Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are to be enforced by Local Authorities 46 87 5 - (ii) Factories not included in (t) in which Section 7 is enforced by the Local Authority 337 332 24 - (iii) Other premises in which Section 7 is enforced by the Local Authority (excluding out-workers' premises) - — — — Total 383 419 29 — Cases in which defects were found and remedied:— Particulars. Number of Cases in which defects were found Number of cases in which prosecutions were instituted. Found. Remedied. Referred To H.M. Inspector. By H.M. Inspector. |
7d6b8eb4-08ce-4803-b442-fcc325968990 | Want of cleanliness 9 9 - - - Overcrowding - - - - - Inadequate ventilation 2 2 - - - Ineffective drainage of floors 5 5 - - - Sanitary Conveniences:— (a) Insufficient 15 15 - 6 - (b) Unsuitable or defective 59 59 - 10 - (c) Not separate for sexes - - - - - Other offences against the Act (not including offences relating to Outworkers) - - 11 - - Total 90 90 11 16 — 15 Outworkers. Outworkers within the Borough are visited periodically by the sanitary inspectors. The number of outworkers and the nature of the work carried on, in the list prepared in August, 1950, was as follows:— Wearing apparel 114 Household linen, etc. 46 Lace and lace curtaining, etc. 1 Curtains and furniture hangings, etc. 1 Umbrellas, etc. |
15c0f682-e4b0-491e-9628-9f45f5cbd1d9 | 1 Artificial Flowers 4 Feather sorting 2 Packing of buttons, etc. 2 Making stuffed toys, etc. 1 Cosaques, Christmas crackers and similar 1 Lampshades 9 Rodent Control. The work of rat destruction was continued throughout the year. The staff engaged on this work consisted of two investigators and four operatives working under the supervision of a Sanitary Inspector who devoted the whole of his time to this service. The treatment of private dwellings is generally free. This fact has made the public much more ready to report infestations. Before the scheme commenced, the average number of complaints received during a month was 40. This figure has now increased to approximately 110 per month. All complaints are investigated and the area of infestation defined before treatment is commenced. In addition, a block control scheme is systematically worked throughout the Borough. Where the infestation appears to originate from the drainage system the drains are tested and any defects remedied. |
6c43e6e3-aa2f-40ff-9976-3f912820d4ae | The sewers are treated twice a year in addition to an annual test bait, and the Council's refuse destructor tips are treated monthly. At the maintenance treatment carried out in June, 696 manholes were treated and "takes" were recorded in 382 manholes or 55 per cent. of the number baited. A total of 697 manholes was treated at the December maintenance treatment, and " takes " were recorded in 426 manholes or 61 per cent. of the number treated. The total number of premises surveyed during the year was 12,286 and the number of inspections amounted to 32,253. Effective preventive measures were taken in 1,702 instances. Whilst over 5,000 more inspections were carried out during 1950 compared with 1949, the number of infested premises found was approximately 500 less than those found in 1949. This clearly shows the value of the work being carried out by the Council. |
ba84a34a-cbea-4ef1-8370-d8aeca912465 | Guidance to local authorities on methods of treatment continues to be made available by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, which came into force on the 31st March, 1950, re-enacts, with modifications, the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act which is repealed, and makes permanent provision for preventing loss of food by infestation. The Borough Council is an authority under the Act. The new Act emphasises the primary obligation as being upon the local authority to ensure that so far as practicable, its area is kept free from rats and mice. Previously, the primary duty had been laid upon the individual occupier coupled with a right to the local authority to enforce the requirements upon him. 16 Occupiers of non-agricultural land, which includes buildings, are to give notice to the Local Authority of the presence of rats and mice in substantial numbers and penalties may be incurred for failure to give notice. |
3b76b97b-15b3-4521-b38c-5ecdb6bb3173 | Local Authorities are empowered to serve notice on owners or occupiers of any land, requiring destruction of rats and mice and the notice may specify forms of treatment and any structural repairs or other works required to be effected. There is a right of appeal against the notice to a Court of Summary Jurisdiction. Groups of premises may be given treatment as a unit, and the Local Authority may recover the cost from the several occupiers. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is empowered to make regulations in connection with the threshing or dismantling of ricks to ensure the destruction of rats or mice escaping therefrom. For the purpose of fulfilling their functions under Part I of the Act, the Local Authority is empowered to require information from the occupiers of any land as to interests in that land and failure to provide such information on request is subject to penalty. Expenditure incurred by Local Authorities may be met by grants by the Minister with the consent of the Treasury up to one-half of such expenditure so far as not otherwise recovered under the Act. |
a9d83396-f26d-43a3-9c3d-69f0aacda178 | Businesses dealing with food, including the manufacture, storage, transport or sale of food, must give notice to the Minister of any infestation that comes to their knowledge and the Minister may give directions for preventing or mitigating such infestation, including the carrying out of structural works or the application of any form of treatment deemed necessary by the Minister in the circumstances. Regulations made under this Act relax or exclude, where expedient, the obligation under Section 13 of the 1949 Act of persons engaged in the manufacture, storage, transport or sale of food, e.g., grain, fresh fruit, meat and fish, to give notice to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of any infestation of pests on premises, vehicles, food or other goods. As certain premises are permanently infested with insects and mites, constant notification would be impracticable. The Regulations place restrictions on the delivery of infested food and other goods so as to enable infestation by pests to be controlled. Rag and Bone Bye-laws. |
4b5f47c6-8126-435c-ab39-ccd3d7d2812e | During 1950 the Council instituted proceedings against two men for an offence against the London County Council Bye-laws respecting the business of a rag and bone dealer. The men were seen by a police constable in a Woolwich street to hand balloons with plastic covers to eight small children in exchange for bundles of old rags. Fines totalling £4 with £2 costs were imposed. Rag Flock. The Public Analyst reported that the two samples submitted for analysis during 1950 conformed to the standard of cleanliness laid down in the Rag Flock Regulations, the number of parts of chlorine being 9.5 and 9.1 respectively. Offensive Trades. During the year, the Council approved an application for the renewal of one tripe boiler licence. There is one other offensive trade—that of slaughterer of poultry—carried on within the Borough, the Council having approved the re-establishment of this business. Legal Proceedings. |
b071f3c0-8cb2-4b56-a0e9-6af048883ab9 | During 1950 it was necessary to institute legal proceedings in 97 cases in order to obtain compliance with notices served by the sanitary inspectors under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. Of the total summonses, 45 were withdrawn, 17 the work being in hand at the time of the hearing, and a further 28 summonses were adjourned. Abatement Orders were made in 19 instances, and in the remaining cases fines totalling £15 with £12 14s. 6d. costs, were imposed. Welfare of Aged and Infirm Persons. The powers of the Borough Council to deal with the removal to suitable premises of aged persons in need of care and attention are now derived from Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948. |
8b8f8dc5-fa32-4935-96a4-856fba34c44f | Where in the opinion of the Council removal is necessary in the interests of the persons concerned, or in the interest of the general public, the Council can apply to a Court for an Order requiring removal to suitable premises for a period, in the first instance, of not more than three months. However, action under this Section is limited to those persons who are suffering from a grave chronic disease, or, being aged, infirm or physically incapable, are living in insanitary conditions. During the year it was found necessary to apply to the Court for a removal Order in respect of a woman aged 65 years, living in insanitary conditions and in need of care and attention. A considerable amount of useful work has again been carried out by the Council in the care of old people. There are a great many elderly persons in the Borough who, whilst not sufficiently infirm to need institutional treatment, are living alone and with increasing age require constant observation. |
49f46e69-7733-4cc0-bce9-e711cade3213 | The two women inspectors of the Department made 1,162 visits to the homes of old people during 1950. Valuable assistance was also given by the Home Nursing Service and the Home Helps, with whom there is complete liaison. Work, on behalf of the London County Council, on the erection of a home in the Plumstead Common area to provide accommodation for elderly and infirm persons was nearing completion at the end of the year. The Home, which is the first of its kind to be specially designed and built by the London County Council as an old persons' home, will have 92 beds. Men and women are to be accommodated, but not persons needing special nursing care. |
fc709a7e-0e09-492c-99a1-b4953687f792 | Metropolitan Borough Councils are responsible at the present time for the administration of the powers contained in Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, so far as they relate to the making of contributions to the funds of voluntary organisations who arrange for the provision of meals for old people in their own homes, or at old people's clubs. The Council is giving financial assistance to the Woolwich Council of Social Service who are operating an "Old People's Lunch Club" at the Central Hall, Plumstead High Street. The amount of the contribution made by the Council has been further increased this year. Approximately, 1,600 meals a month are served from the Club. The Council has also considered and approved in principle the making of a contribution towards the cost of the service of a part-time organiser for the home visitation of old people. Mosquito Control. Breeding grounds for mosquitos are provided by the marshland areas in the Borough. |
bfff0eef-9d43-4d1c-9a79-6403dcda64e4 | In Abbey Wood, the area nearest to the marshland, considerable annoyance has been caused in late years by this pest and extensive spraying operations have been carried out on stagnant ponds, marsh ditches and allotment holders' water butts, reducing this annoyance to a minimum. During the year, fewer complaints were received and it is felt that the work of the department is meeting with considerable success. Routine spraying is carried out every year in the early summer, as a preventive measure. Common Lodging Houses. These are licensed annually by the Borough Council in accordance with the provisions of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. There are now only two licensed 18 Common Lodging Houses in the Borough. The number of inspections made during the year was 34. Details of the accommodation available are as follows:— Premises. Accommodation (Men) 60, Beresford Street 50 102, Woolwich High Street 22 River Thames—Offensive Smells. |
1300456d-1bc6-4f8e-9759-bcd44518a8cc | The offensive smells from the River Thames were again a source of complaint during the summer months of 1950. During the previous year the Council had made representations to the London County Council and the Port of London Authority on this matter and were informed that an improvement programme of capital works, at an estimated cost of £3,000,000 had been adopted by the County Council and was to be put in hand as soon as possible. Work was commenced in September, 1950, on the erection of new primary sedimentation tanks at the Northern Outfall Works as part of this programme. However, in view of the seriousness of the condition of the river, the Borough Council sent representations to the London County Council that the closest attention be given to the problem, with a view to further instalments in the capital works programme being speedily put in hand. |
78596058-98ad-433c-856a-9e5d6a0d9628 | Representation was also made by the Council to the Minister of Health, pointing out that there was considerable concern locally about the condition of the River, and that it was considered essential that works to effect a substantial improvement should be commenced at an early date. The Minister replied that he would be ready to authorise a further large-scale scheme of improvement in the autumn of 1951, i.e., before the present improvement work was completed, and he was considering proposals that further works should be undertaken at an early date to bring about a drastic improvement in the conditions obtaining off the Northern and Southern Outfall Works. Atmospheric Pollution. There has been a considerable increase recently in the number of complaints of nuisance caused by the emission of smoke, etc. from factory chimneys in the Woolwich and Plumstead areas, and much attention has been given to this matter. During the year 450 observations were made of factory chimneys in the Borough and five notices were served requiring abatement of nuisances. |
3b432784-9214-4552-b13c-3167952928e1 | Investigations of a nuisance from fine dust emitted from a factory in the Plumstead area have been carried out. Numerous visits to the factory were made by officers of the Council and, following a particular observation, the owner was pressed to effect an immediate improvement. A notice was also served requiring the factory yard, which was congested and untidy and a source of nuisance, to be re-arranged and tidied and at least a part of the yard enclosed and covered to enable lorries to be loaded and unloaded under cover. Complaints of excessive smoke from an Abbey Wood factory have been made from time to time by nearby residents, and the Council's Smoke Abatement Inspector has visited this factory on several occasions. Consultations with the management have resulted in slight improvement, but the nuisance from this factory was still a cause of complaint at the end of the year. Several observations have been carried out on the chimneys of a large factory on the river front. |
4dd90658-2e95-4d94-a8f6-9119aedac073 | The firm concerned stated that the primary cause of the excessive smoke was the quality of the coal being used, which was not all of one size and so made proper stoking very difficult. Recent observations on these chimneys, however, have shown some reduction in the amount of smoke being emitted. At the Annual Conference of the National Smoke Abatement Society, a resolution was passed: "That this Conference learns with regret that in many instances bituminous coal is being burned in grates suitable for smokeless fuels in houses in local authority estates, which is in some cases exceptionally offensive from its being emitted at a low level from prefabricated bungalows, and asks all local authorities to encourage the use of smokeless fuels in these grates." 19 Enquiries locally showed that the majority of Council house tenants were using smokeless fuels where grates are designed for the purpose. Every effort is made by the Council to discourage the use of bituminous coal. |
3a8b366f-5429-4894-bbf3-09d9d03234f1 | Whilst in sympathy with the above resolution, the Council felt that, in view of the above position and owing to present difficulties generally, and especially the higher cost of smokeless fuels, no further action could be taken in the matter. Mortuary. Public mortuary facilities are provided at the Council's premises at Sunbury Street. These facilities have been little used in recent years owing to the centralisation of Coroners' Courts in London. Exhumations. There was one exhumation carried out during the year, on the authority of an Exhumation Licence issued under the Burial Act, 1857. All the necessary precautions to safeguard the public health were observed. Burial or Cremation of the Dead. |
d3f4e53c-140b-4412-b284-e7c9ff107862 | Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, it is the duty of the Council as sanitary authority to arrange for the burial or cremation of any person who has died, or been found dead, in their area, where it appears to the Council that no other suitable arrangements have been or are being made. Expenses incurred in such burial may be recovered from the estate of the deceased person or from a "liable relative." During the year 1950 the Council arranged for the burial of 10 persons, in each case there being no known relatives of the deceased or the relatives being unable to defray the private funeral costs. The total expenses in respect of the cases amounted to £72, of which £29 was recovered. Cemeteries. Three cemeteries are owned by the Woolwich Borough Council and administered by the Town Clerk's Department. These are situate at Eltham and Plumstead, the two in Plumstead being known as Woolwich Cemetery and Plumstead Cemetery. |
d02ed634-2db3-466c-afc4-931e06c94d86 | Roughly, each cemetery serves the area after which it is named. The following table gives details of interments during the last three years at these cemeteries:— Table No. 9. Cemetery. Number of Interments. 1948. 1949. 1950. Woolwich 474 416 416 Plumstead 623 586 600 Eltham 321 357 348 Proposed Joint Crematorium. The Council in 1939 decided to establish a crematorium in Eltham Cemetery jointly with the Boroughs of Bexley and Erith and the Urban District Council of Chislehurst and Sidcup, but owing to the war the Council could not proceed. The Crayford Urban District Council have since been included in the scheme. The Borough Council has made several approaches to the Minister of Health for sanction to proceed with the scheme, but in view of the need for economy in capital expenditure such sanction has not been forthcoming. 20 Churchyards. |
2c9b348f-d0d5-4aad-8b11-b62dada993d8 | The parish churches of Woolwich and Elthara, and the old parish church of Plumstead, each have an extensive churchyard, but burials are confined solely to Eltham, where only old vaults and graves are now opened. Washing Facilities for the Public. In January, 1950, in order to encourage personal hygiene, the Health Committee considered a report on the public washing facilities in the Borough, and particularly facilities for the use of stall holders and other outside food handlers generally, and the extent to which use was being made of these washing facilities. It was found that virtually no use was being made of the paid "wash-andbrush-up" service at the Beresford Square public convenience by the stall holders in the neighbouring market. The Committee felt that the time had come when every encouragement should be given, not only to food handlers but to citizens generally, to observe the washing of hands after use of the public convenience. |
9a7505c3-dab4-4c4d-b658-983cb5a1c87f | The Works Committee gave sympathetic and favourable consideration to the initiation of a free "wash-and-brush-up" service at the Beresford Square convenience for a trial period of six months. This service commenced on the 1st May, the paid service continuing, and its working was reviewed at the end of the year. Of the total of 4,018 washes at this convenience during the period, 1,298 were in respect of the free wash. Whilst the free washing facilities had not been used as extensively as had been hoped, there had, nevertheless, been a considerable total increase in the use of washing facilities and women stall holders in particular had been ready to use the free facilities. The running cost of the service was found to be extremely low. The extension of the free facilities to other public conveniences in the Borough was considered by the Council and I am now able to report that the Council has decided that free facilities also be provided at five other major public conveniences. Public Baths and Wash-houses. |
3dcfa374-44ce-4c3c-aa52-db59e43c5bdc | The Council has four bathing establishments in the Borough. A full description of this service, which includes swimming baths, slipper baths, Turkish baths and massage, wash-houses and the use of the premises for social and sporting activities during the winter months, was included in my Annual Report for 1949. The Baths Superintendent has kindly supplied the following information on the number of bathers using the Baths Service in 1949-50 and 1950-51. 1949-50. 1950-51. Swimming 411,642 335,004 Slipper Baths 157,204 146,906 Turkish Baths and Massages 20,246 17,762 Public Wash-house 13,597 13,350 Free baths to Old Age Pensioners and Unemployed 4,547 3,816 607,236 516,838 The reduction in attendances for the year 1950-51 was in great measure due to the very unfavourable weather throughout the summer of that year. |
14e320cd-85bb-4d96-b0dd-98b0b275b9b2 | Samples of swimming bath water for bacteriological testing are taken monthly and more frequently if found necessary. One hundred such samples were submitted for bacteriological examination during 1950 and satisfactory reports were received on all the samples. The Department carries out its own tests of free chlorine estimation and colorimetric test for the pH value. Swimming and Paddling Pools. The two open-air swimming pools in the Borough, in Eltham Park and in the Victoria Gardens, North Woolwich, are provided by the London County Council. 21 The Borough Council has paddling pools at the Middle Park Estate, in the Briset Road Recreation Ground and in Plumstead Gardens, and there is another paddling pool in Eaglesfield, Shooters Hill, belonging to the London County Council. Street Cleansing and Refuse Disposal. This was fully described in my Annual Report for 1949. |
3494a394-693b-4281-af86-9589c93abbe2 | During 1950, 41,570 tons of house and trade refuse were collected and, with the trade refuse delivered by various tradesmen, brought the total to 48,586 tons dealt with at the destructor. The salvaged material, weighing 1,889 tons, yielded £6,546 when sold. The raw kitchen waste dealt with was 2,947 tons and realised £48,488. At the piggery, 269 pigs were maintained and the sale of pigs realised £5,428. Public Conveniences. Fourteen conveniences for men and a similar number for women are maintained throughout the area, hours of opening and closing varying with local requirements. In the town centre, for example, the conveniences are open from 5.30 a.m. Normally, however, this service is available between the hours of 6.30 a.m. and 11 p.m. These conveniences were inspected regularly during the year. |
3036dc8c-e896-4d98-99f4-6991d2edb8f3 | The information regarding the street cleansing, refuse disposal and public conveniences, has been kindly supplied by the Borough Engineer. HOUSING In December, 1950, there were 38,424 houses in the Borough. The number inspected for housing defects under the Public Health or Housing Acts was 14,849 compared with 6,242 in the previous year. The number found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for habitation was 2,835. Some 1,520 houses were rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors, including the service of Intimation Notices. Statutory Notices were served for the first time in respect of 1,315 houses. The work necessitated by the large number of complaints of all descriptions received in 1950 continued to restrict the number of house-to-house inspections carried out under the Housing (Consolidated) Regulations, 1925, 83 dwelling houses being inspected under these Regulations in 1950. Overcrowding . |
6def9189-391b-492a-9095-5f64ea72aa24 | The Council is under obligation, upon application made by either landlord or occupier to give in writing the permitted number of persons in respect of any dwelling house, and measurements were taken of dwellings on 640 occasions, compared with 126 in 1949. In all, 198 families were found to be living in overcrowded conditions. Overcrowding reports were made to the London County Council on behalf of these persons and in 76 cases alternative accommodation was obtained. Demolition and Closing Orders. Demolition Orders were made by the Council under the provisions of Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1936, in respect of the following unfit houses: Nos. 91, 92 and 93, Woolwich High Street. The Council accepted an undertaking from the owner of No. 6, Bowling Green Row, Woolwich, that the premises would not be used for human habitation. During the year, Closing Orders were made in respect of the basement rooms at Nos. |
630a0b4f-fb17-42d4-accf-2a604b8de694 | 81, Eltham Road, S.E. 9, 22, Heverham Road, S.E. 18 and 9, Passey Place, S.E. 9. The Council authorised the service of a notice on the owner of No. 7, Heavitree Road, Plumstead, requested that works to render the house fit be executed as required by Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1936. At the end of the year action was pending regarding a further six houses. 22 Slum Clearance. In February, the Council forwarded to the London County Council, as Town Planning Authority, a list of areas which could be dealt with as slum clearance areas. Early in the year discussions took place between representatives of the County Council and the Borough Council on the resumption of slum clearance work in the Borough, following which the Council made a formal approach to the County Council that the Lord Warwick Street Clearance Area should be transferred to the Council for representation and subsequent development. |
6f320f9e-5889-4670-be6f-59302a2036dd | The County Council agreed with the proposal that the clearance and redevelopment of this area (which forms part of a considerably larger area now known as "the St. Mary's Redevelopment Area") should be carried out by the Borough Council. At the end of the year arrangements were being made with a view to the Council acquiring all available vacant sites within the redevelopment area in order to provide alternative accommodation for families who will be displaced. The Health Committee of the Council also considered a comprehensive schedule of further possible clearance areas in the Borough, and authorised the carrying out of a detailed survey of another area suitable for slum clearance. New Houses. The number of certificates issued in respect of new dwelling houses as having a proper and sufficient supply of water was 727, being 85 more than in the previous year. I am indebted to the Director of Housing for the following information:— The proud record of the Borough of Woolwich with regard to the provision of post-war houses was maintained during the year 1950. |
c3968473-7c1c-4731-b8d4-6369a0d29310 | The number of new houses built in the Borough during 1950 are summarised as follows:— By Woolwich Borough Council, 331 ; by private enterprise, 127. In addition, 169 flats erected by the London County Council on the Barnfield Estate became available for letting during the year. Apart from the erection of flats by the London County Council there were a further 284 houses under construction in the Borough by the Borough Council and by private enterprise at the end of the year. Number of applicants on Register at 1st January, 1950 6,300 Number of applications received during year 1,368 7,668 Number of applicants rehoused during year:— (1) By Borough Council 413 (2) By nomination to L.C.C. 23 (3) Direct by L.C.C. 197 633 7,035 Number of applications cancelled or withdrawn (applicants moved, found own accommodation, etc.) |