9

PURFLEET

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

Medical Officer of Health

INCLUDING THE REPORT OF THE

Sanitary Inspector

For the Year 1932.

GRAYS.

John Higgins, Printing Contractor.

1933

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Purileet Urban District Council

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

Medical Officer of Health

INCLUDING THE REPORT OF THE

Sanitary Inspector

For the Year 1932

GRAYS.

John Hipgins, Printing Contractor.

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICEES OF THE

LOCAL ATJTHOEITY.

Medical Officer of Health:

W. T. G. Boul, M.D., Ch.B. (Viet.), B.P.H.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health:

Cyrus Ive, M.B., B.S., B.P.H. (Appointed October, 1932.)

Sanitary Inspector:

L. CULLISS,

Certificate Eoyal Sanitary Institute, Certified Meat Inspector, and Officer under the Eats and Mice

Destruction Act, 1919.

Chief Clerk :

E. C. Gilbert.

Clerical Assistant:

Miss P. Smithson.

The Medical Ofl&cer of Health is also Medical Officer of Health to the adjoining Urban Districts of Grays, Tilbury and the surrounding Rural district of Orsett, and School Medical Inspector and District Tuberculosis

Officer for these districts.

The Deputy Medical Officer of Health is also Deputy Medical Officer of Health to the same districts, and School Medical Inspector and District Tuberculosis Officer to these districts under the Essex County

Council.

3

To the Chairman and Members of the Purfleet Urban District Council.

Gentlemen,

I have the honour to submit to you m}^ fourth Annual Keport upon the Health and Sanitary Circum¬ stances of the Purfleet Urban District. The services of the district are now fully established and members have an opportunity of comparing the results of three com¬ plete years’ work. My Annual Eeport for the ‘present year is a short report and not a survey report.

The Eegistrar-GeneraTs estimate of population for statistical purposes, is 8,725 as against 8,505 for the year 1931.

Vital Statistics.—The Birth Rate of 19*2 com¬ pares very favourably with that for England and Wales of 15*3. Similar remarks apply to the Death Rate. Working with small figures, however, is apt to give fallacious reading to these results.

Housing.—It is very gratifying to record the con¬ tinued improvement in the housing standards of the district. In my opinion there is now very little requir¬ ing comment. Insanitary property has been demolished or remedied, and overcrowding, relatively, does not exist. The district is very fortunate in this direction.

The Urban District again shows a remarkable freedom from infectious disease. During the whole year only twenty-seven cases were notified, of which seven were cases of Diphtheria and five were Scarlet Fever. These figures are all the more remarkable when one remembers the large daily influx of workers from the metropolitan area. Most of the large firms have a welfare organisation to assist their employees in health

4

matters, and their hygienic standard sets an example which is materially to the good of the district. It is very gratifying to report upon the pleasing co-opera¬ tion between my Department and the various firms of the district. I have found, without exception, that the officials of the local industries are always ready to help me in any enquiries necessary for the common welfare. The interests which connect Purfleet with the adjoining areas occur daily, and the value of the Com¬ bined Medical Service is demonstrated constantly. Instead of matters having to pass formally through tw^o or three departments of different Councils, they can be dealt with by one office in the smallest possible time and with the minimum administrative expenditure.

I should like also to thank the members of the Council for their support during the year, and especially for the sympathetic manner in which my representations have been received. To my colleagues in other depart¬ ments and to the local Medical Practitioners I take this opportunity of expressing my thanks for their con¬ tinued help and co-operation.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

W. T. G. BOUL, M.D., Ch.B., D.P.H.,

Medical Officer of Health.

Public Health Department, Quarry Hill, Grays, Essex.

April., 1933.

6

STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS

OF THE AREA.

The Urban District of Purfleet stands upon the northern bank of the Thames, about fifteen miles from London. It comprises the parishes of Purfleet, West Thurrock, Aveley and South Ockendon, the two former being industrial and the latter agricultural areas. A certain amount of shipping trade is carried on with the factories on the river bank, while chalk quarrying and cement-making form one of the principal industries.

The rainfall is light and the climate equable, but heavy mists are frequent from autumn to spring, making the district unsuitable for people with rheumatic tenden¬ cies.

1 he chief occupations of the inhabitants are :—

(1) Employment in Cement Factories, Quarries, Oil Works, Margarine Factories, Board Mills, &c.

(2) Agricultural.

(3) Transport work.

(4) Tradesmen and Clerical.

There is no evidence to suggest that any particular occupation exercises a deleterious effect upon the general health of the district.

Area ...

Population (Kegistrar-Generars estimate, 1931) .

Number of Inhabited Houses at 31/12/32

Rateable Value ....

Sum represented by Penny Rate

8,899 acres

8,725

2,164

1:52,478

i:205 • • • •

6

VITAL STATISTICS.

Male Female Total Live Births—Legitimate 85 79 164

,, ,, —Illegitimate 2 2 4

Birth Rate per 1,000 of the estimated resident population .... .... 19*2

Male Female Total Stillbirths 1 1 2

Rate per 1,000 total (live and stillbirths) births - 11*9

Male Female Total Deaths 45 39 84

Death Rate per 1000 of estimated resident population .. 9-6

Death from puerperal causes :— Rates per 1,000 total

Deaths. live and stillbirths.

Puerperal Sepsis .... Nil

Other Puerperal causes.... Nil

Total —I. I.

Death Rate of Infants under 1 year of age

All Infants per 1,000 live births .... .... 41*6

Legitimate Infants per 1,000 legitimate live births 42*6

Illegitimate Infants per 1,000 illegitimate live births Nil

Deaths from Measles (all ages) .... —

,, ,, Whooping Cough (all ages) 1

,, ,, Diarrhoea (under 2 years) —

7

The following tables have been supplied by the Begistrar-General, with the exception of the line naarked * in Table No 2.

Table 1. CIVILIANS ONLY. Causes of Death in Purpleet U.D., 1932.

Causes of Death.

All Causes Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers Measles Scarlet fever ... Whooping cough Diphtheria ... Influenza Encephalitis lethargica Cerebro-spinal fever Tuberculosis of respiratory system Other tuberculous diseases Syphilis General Paralysis of tbe insane,tabes do Cancer, malignant disease Diabetes Cerebral haemorrhage, &c. Heart disease Aneurism Other circulatory diseases Bronchitis

20 Pneumonia (all forms) 21 Other respiratory diseases

Peptic Ulcer ... Diarrhoea, &c. (under 2 years) Appendicitis ... Cirrhosis of liver Other diseases of liver, &o. Other digestive diseases ... Acute and chronic nephritis Puerperal sepsis Other puerperal causes ... Congenital debility, premature birt

malformations, &c ... Senility Suicide Other violence , . Other defined diseases Causes ill-defined or unknown

Special Causes (included in No. 35 above Small-pox Poliomyelitis Polioencephalitis

Total

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

32 33 34 35 36

Deaths of Infants under 1 year

Live Births ...

Stillbirths

Legitimate Illegitimate Total Legitimate Illegitimate Total Legitimate

(Illegitimate

M. 45

rsalis-

2 11

1 2

1 2

1 2 1 4 4 1

General Register Office, Somerset House, London, W.C. 2.

4 4

87 85

2 1

Population—8,725.

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3 7

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3 2 2 1 5

3 3

81 79

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9

CAUSES OF, AND AGES AT DEATH DURING _THE YEAR 1932 (Local Records)._

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All Causes 84 8 3 2 6 3 18 44 Enteric Fever Small Pox .. Measles Scarlet Fever Whooping Cough .. Diphtheria ..

1 . * 1 • • . . . . • . . . * * « . , . « ■ .

Influenza Encephalitis

2 - • ' • • 1 1

Lethargica.. • . . - . • - . • • Meningococcal

Meningitis.. • • * • . c Tuberculosis of Respiratory System

Other Tuberculous 3 1 1 1

Diseases 1 • • 1 Cancer, Malignant 7 . . » . 1 2 4 Rheumatic Fever .. Diabetes

• • • •

CerebralHsemorrhage 6 • • • • . . 1 5 Heart Disease 18 1 , , , • « 5 12 Arterio Sclerosis .. 3 . . • * , , . • 2 1 Bronchitis .. 2 1 • • . , . . 1 Pneumonia (all forms) Other Respiratory

4 1 1 2

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or Duodenum.. 2 , , 1 1 • . Diarrhoea (under 2yrs.) Appendicitis

•

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2 1 1 • •

Nephritis 4 . . « • . . . • 4 Puerperal Sepsis .. Other accidents and

diseases of Preg¬ nancy and Partur¬ ition • •

Congenital Debility Malformation, and Premature Birth.. 3 3 • • « • •

Suicide Other Deaths from

3 2 1 • •

Violence .. Other Defined

6 • • 1 • 2 1 1 1

Diseases .. 16 1 ■ 1 2 12 Causes ill-defined or

unknown Special Causes

1 1

(included above): Poliomyelitis Polioencephalitis ..

•• * • • •

10

COMPARISON OF VARIOUS STATISTICS. 1929 1930 1931 1932

Population .... 9846 9683 8511 8725 Number of Births ... 118 155 189 168 Birth Rate ... 17-2 16-0 22-2 19-2 Death Rate .... ... 7-8 7-5 10-7 9-6 Infantile Mortality Rate ... 33-8 45H 79-3 41-6

GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH

SERVICES FOR THE AREA.

2. (i.) Public Health Officers of the Authority,

The Public Health Officers of the Local Authority are enumerated at the commencement of my Report.

(ii.) Nursing in the Home, (a) General Nursing.

There has been no alteration in the arrangements. Four District Nursing Associations, one in each Ward, serve the district. Their work is co-ordinated with that of the County Council, from whom they receive an annual grant. The 48th Nursing Division, St. John Ambulance Brigade, have also carried out some excellent work which may be divided into the following :—

Motor Ambulance duties .... .... 820 Hospital Home Comforts Committee .. 247

Orthopaedic Clinic, including home visits 485

Other cases, including night visits .. 1121

The Division comprises one Lady Superintendent, two Lady Ambulance Officers and a number of Ambu¬ lance sisters.

Arising out of St. John Ambulance Brigade, a Hospital Home Comforts Committee was established in 1926 to supply at a nominal charge any article for use in a sick room. The Medical Officer of Health is Chairman, and Sub-centres have been established at Purheet, Aveley, West Thurrock and South Ockendon.

11

Articles have been issued as follows:

Bedpans 152 Air Cushions 13 Air Rings 87 Air Pillows 8 Bed Rests 86 Enema Syringes - 12 Crutches 48 Bed Cradles 11 Waterproof Sheets 36 Bed Tables 6 Bed Bottles 36 Douche Bowls and Pans 5 Bronchitis Kettles 34 Eye Baths 3 Air Beds 28 Ice Caps 2 Invalid Chairs - 20 Leg Rests 2 Breast Pumps - 20 Bed Blocks 2 Hot-water Bottles 16 Inhalers 1 Feeding Cups - 16 Ear Syringes 1

Clinical Thermometer 1 Water Bed 1 Centre Depot Sub-

Year. Grays, Centres. Total

1928 369 126 495 1929 374 188 562 1930 380 249 629 1931 383 309 692 1932 407 240 467

The Committee have compiled a Kegister of experienced Nurses, persons with some nursiog ex¬ perience, and domestic helpers willing to attend cases of illness. Applicants for such help are placed m touch with suitable persons from the Register.

(b) Infectious Disease- There are no arrangements for home nursing except

that which may occasionally be given by the Health Visitors.

(iii.) Laboratoey Facilities.

These Essex Counties Public Health Laboratories, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.4, undertake the examination of all bacteriological and pathological specimens.

Specimens. No. Examiued.

Diphtheria - - 42 Sputa - - 22

Total 64

LEGISLATION IN FORCE.

Adoptive Acts, Bye-laws and Regulations relative to Public Health in force in the district.

Acts and Sections Adopted.

Acts.

Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1890. In operation in Dec., 1930. Adopted 4th Nov., 1930.

Small Dwellings Acquisitions Act, 1899-1923. In operation May

21st, 1925.

Public Health Act, 1925. Adopted Sept. 8th, 1927. In operation

Oct. 15th, 1927.

Private Street Works Act, 1892. Adopted 1st July, 1930. In opera¬

tion 9th Aug., 1930.

Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1907.

Rats and Mice Destruction Act, 1919.

Bye-laws with respect to New Streets and Buildings.

Bye-laws with respect to Slaughterhouses.

Bye-laws with respect to Nuisances.

Sections in Force.

Part III. Section 29 operative from November 15th, 1930.

Whole Acts.

Part II. Secs. 13-16, 20, 23, 25-33

Part III. Secs. 36-38, 40-43. Part IV.

Whole Act.

Part II. Secs. 15-17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 33.

Part III. Secs. 34, 38, 43, 48, 49, 50.

Part IV. Secs. 52-58. Part V. Secs. 59, 60, 62, 65, 67.

By a resolution dated July 2nd, 1929, the County Council dele¬ gated their Powers under this Act to the Purfleet Urban

District Council.

These were adopted by the Council and confirmed by the Ministry of Health on the 27th

May, 1930.

Adopted by the Council and confirmed by the Ministry of Health on the 27th May, 1930.

Adopted by the Council and Confirmed by the Ministry of Health on the 26th July, 1932.

13

Y. HOSPITALS.

There have been no changes during the year in the Hospital Services of the district.

(a) Seamen’s Hospital^ Tilbury Dock—Accommoda¬ tion : Men, 52 beds ; Women, 24 beds; Children 16 beds.

The Hospital is equipped with efficient X-ray, Dental and Ophthalmic apparatus, and I wish to once again record my appreciation of the kindly co-opera¬ tion extended to this Department by the Staff. The Medical Officer of Health is a member of the Consult¬ ant Staff, and I am indebted to the Secretary, Seamen’s Hospital Society, for the following statistics relating to the Hospital :

Number of In-patients 1327

,, Out-patients 5319

„ Major operations 339

„ Minor operations 540

(b) Or sett (Public Assistance) Infirmary-— Accommo¬ dation : General Medical, 97 beds; General Surgical, 50 ; Tuberculosis, 21 beds ; Children, 20 beds ; Mater¬ nity, 7 beds; Mental (Observation) 5 beds.

(c) Or sett Joint Hospital Boards of which the Urban District of Purfleet is a constituent authority, maintains :

1. Isolation Hospital, Stifford Long Lane, Little Thurrock, 96 beds. During the year the Hospital Board decided to equip the Hospital with a new Operating Theatre. This will be completed during 1933, at an approximate cost of i^500. The theatre consists of a main room, 18ft. x 12ft., together with a small annexe, with full equip¬ ment for minor operations.

2. Smallpox Hospital, Stihord Long Lane, Little Thurrock, 22 beds.

14

The Hospital accommodation has been found adequate for the needs of the district during the year.

Owing to the proximity of the district to the Metropolis, a large number of persons attend various London Hospitals. Most of the firms of the district maintain branch groups of the Hospital Savings Association, and the arrangement of treatment is a comparatively simple matter.

vi. Ambulance Facilities.

(a) Infectious Disease.—Three Motor Ambulances are maintained at the Isolation Hospital and are available immediately upon application, at any hour, day or night.

1922, Ford 20 h.p. 1930, Austin 20h.p.

1932, Morris 20 h.p. (This is kept solely for the use of Smallpox cases).

(b) Non-Infectious and Accident Cases.—The St. John Ambulance Brigade, Grays Division, maintain two Motor Ambulances and various hand vehicles.

1928, Austin 20 h.p. 1930, Ford 23 h.p.

The hire charges are very moderate, and I am indebted to C. Simons, Esq., for the following details of work during 1932 :—

No. of Cases. Miles.

Koad accidents .... 70 980

Sick removals .... 944 20571

(c) Maternity Patients.—These Patients are removed where necessary by ambulances of the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

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16

SANITAKY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.

1. (i) Water.—The greater portion of the district is supplied hy the South Essex Waterworks Company. The Supply has been adequate and satisfactory. There are a few wells in the outlying parts of the area and these are subject to periodical inspection. During the year 1932 no samples were taken from these wells.

(ii.) Drainage and Sewerage.—The major part of the area is connected to the Thurrock, Grays and Tilbury Joint Sewerage Board’s Mains. A commencement has been made to link up Aveley with main drainage. The arrangements for sewage disposal are adequate and efficient. The Joint Sewage Board possesses Disposal Works, complete with Sedimentation Tanks and Circular Revolving Distributors on Bacterial Beds. I am indebted to the Works Manager for the under¬ mentioned details:

Year No. of gallons pumped.

1928 1929 1930 1931 1932

429,081,000 474,012,000 468,993,000 461,529,500 452,451,000

During the year the Sewerage Schemes in the Aveley and South Ockendon Wards were completed at an all-in cost of approximately <£38,600.

In the Aveley Ward the existing sewage disposal works, together with the Pumping Station near Messrs. Painter’s Garage were superseded and the sewage con¬ veyed by means of two tunnel sewers through the chalk, and thence into the trunk sewer at Purfleet of the Thurrock, Grays and Tilbury Joint Sewerage Board. The Tunnel Sewers are egg-shaped in section, 5ft. high by 3ft. 4in., and are capable of dealing with the sewage from a population of 150,000. The other new trunk sewers have a capacity equal to a population of 20,000 at 30 gallons per head.

17

In the South Ockendon Ward a new disposal works has been constructed to the west of the Romford road, in the Aveley Ward, capable of dealing with a popula¬ tion of 4,000, and a new trunk sewer laid to the junction of Holland’s Lane, with Stihord Road. Other new trunk sewers also converge in this point and deal with the previously unsewered portion of the Ward laying to the south, together with the new Mental Home of the West Ham Corporation. The existing sewers were also con¬ nected to the new outfall sewer so that the old disposal works can be superseded at any time desirable, and used as a storm-water treatment area. The new trunk sewer will deal with a population of 12,000 at 25 gallons per head.

Both schemes are on gravitational lines and com¬ bined will provide for a population of 32,000. The total length of new sewers laid is approximately 8^ miles.

The old and new disposal works at South Ockendon working together will be sufficient to deal with a popu¬ lation of approximately 6,000.

It is very gratifying to place on record that arising out of the laying of the new sewer in Stifford Road, Garth Road, Mar Road and Hollands Lane, South Ockendon, all properties with two exceptions have been connected to the sewer. This has involved a consider¬ able amount of work by my Department, including the conversion of 52 Pail Closets and 2 Privy Middens and the diverting of 78 premises from cesspools to the sewer.

2. Rivees and Steeams.

The chief stream is the Mardyke, which rises in Bulvan Fen, goes through Orsett Fen, and thence into the Urban District, forming a boundary between Aveley and West Thurrock. It receives the effluent from Aveley and Purfleet Sewage Works. Samples are taken at intervals by the Port of London Authority, but no complaints re pollution have been received.

3. (i.) Closet Accommodation.

Number of privies .... 7 Number of Pail Closets .... 57 Number of Cesspools .... 44

IS

(ii) Public Cleansing.—Public cleansing has been, as in the past, carried out b}^ contract and no complaint of any magnitude has reached me in the matter. Indeed, I believe that the system adopted by the Council has been eminently satisfactory as well as being efficient and of low cost.

Public cleansing in the district is under the super¬ vision of my Department and where it is the Public Health Department which controls bye-laws in relation to nuisances and refuse disposal and also is the responsible Department for the supervision of ashbin and ashpit accommodation, this supervision is of very great importance.

The refuse dumps in the district are kept under supervision and rat suppression is carried out from time to time. Owing to the small amount of refuse tipped, refuse tipping is not carried out on the lines of the com¬ plete “ Bradford ” system, but as far as possible, however, with the aid of occasional part-time labour, all refuse is layered and covered in accordance with modern recom¬ mendations. Indeed my Department has now to comply with its own bye-laws and I am glad to inform you that these bye-laws can be observed with a reasonable ex¬ penditure of time and energy. Controlled tipping is an asset when properly supervised by a Local Authority, as it is a means by which marshland, old gravel pits, &c., may be reclaimed for useful purposes.

(a) Dried house refuse is collected by public contract and removed in covered horse-drawn vehicles. During the year 1933 it is anticipated that certain of these vehicles will be motor driven. Special precautions are taken in regard to the compliance of bye-laws, screen- wire having been provided to prevent papers being dispersed by the wind.

(b) Defuse from earth closets and privies is emptied at frequent and regular intervals, usually, in the case of earth closets, weekly, and in the case of privies, as and when required. A special vehicle is kept for the purpose.

19

(c) Dried house refuse is disposed of by a modified system of controlled tipping. In order that the refuse tips may be kept in as good state as possible the Council retain the services of a part-time employee who visits the tips periodically.

{d) Refuse from earth closets and privies is disposed of by arrangements with local farmers. The refuse is deposited on outlying fields and I am not aware that any complaint has been received during the year.

{e) Cesspools are cleansed by means of hand-operated pumps, of which the' Council are equipped with three, to four-wheeled tanks, a small number being owned by the Authority.

{f) Cesspool contents are disposed of by removal to the most convenient manhole and thence the material is discharged into the sewer.

(iii) SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE AREA.

Dwelling Houses .... .... .... 941 Workshops .... .... .... 16 Factories.... .... .... .... 22 Slaughterhouses ... .... .... 320 Cowsheds, Dairies and Milkshops .... 57 Bakehouses .... .... .... 18 Schools ... .... ... .... 9 Caravans.... .... .... .... 18 Fumigation after cases of Infectious Disease ... 20 Visits to Houses where Infectious Disease

occurred .... .... .... 104 Observation upon Factory Chimneys .... Nil Shops (Gfeneral) .. .... .... 484 Fried Fish Shops .... .... .... 42 Butchers’ Shops .... .... .... 392 Common Lodging Houses .... .... Nil

The above table gives a complete statement of all inspections made in the district during the year with the exception of Housing Inspections. Particulars of visits and inspections of special classes of property will be found under the appropriate headings.

20

Notices Served. In¬

formal.

statutory IS a result of non- oompli- ance.

Rem¬ edied.

To remedy drains, privies, W.C’s., &c. 36 1 36

„ provide damp-proof courses ... 1 — 1

,, renew ashbins 27 2 27

,, general repairs to dwelling-houses — j — —

,, renew or refix spouting or gutters 11 — 11

Cleanse parts of dwelling-houses 12 1 12

Remedy defective plaster 14 2 14

Defective sinks repaired or new sinks 24 — 24

Remedy waste-pipes... — — —

Defective washing coppers 9 — 9

Remedy water supply 16 — 16

Remedy defective floors 9 — 9

Repair roofs 20 — 20

Defective fireplaces ... 18 1 18

Fumigate rooms (infectious disease) Nil — Nil

Offensive accumulations 2 — 2

Disinfesting verminous houses ... 5 — 5

Damp walls 12 — 12

Pave yards 2 — 2

Defective windows ... 19 — 19

Miscellaneous 74 — 74

The above table gives the result of all notices served other than those under the Housing Act; particulars of Notices served on special classes of property will be found under the appropriate headings.

21

FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS and WORKPLACES.

A. INSPECTIONS OF FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS & WORKPLACES

Including Inspections made by Sanitary Inspector.

Premises,

1

In¬ spections

2

Written Notices

3

Occupiers Prose¬ cuted

4

Factories 22 2 (Including Factory Laundries)

Workshops 16 1 (Including Workshop Laundries)

Workplaces ... ... - (Other than Outworkers premises)

7 ■ '

Total 45 3 —

B. DEFECTS POUND, in Factories, Workshops and Workplaces.

Particulars.

Number of Defects. Number

of Offences in respect of which Prosecu¬

tions were Instituted

Pound. Rem¬ edied

Referred toH.M. Inspctor

Nuisances under the Public Health Acts —

Want of cleanliness ... 1 1 ■ _

Want of ventilation ... — — —

Overcrowding — — —

Want of drainage of floors — — — Other nuisances

Sanitary accommodation—

1 1 — —

Insufficient 1 — — —

Unsuitable or Defective — 1 — —

Not separate for sexes

Offences under Factory d Workshops Acts—

Illegal occupation of underground

bakehouses (s.lOl).... — — _

Other Offences [Excluding oifeuces relating to outwork, and offences under the Sections men- tiooed in the Schedule to the Mieistry of Health (Factories and Workshops

Transfer of Powers) Order, 1921]

Total 3 .3 —

22

(iv.) Smoke Abatement.

Complaints continue to be received during the year concerning the amount of grit, ash and sulphurous fumes emitted by various chimney stacks in the district. From time to time representations have been made to the firms concerning this matter. Indeed at the present time the matter is again under consideration. During the year visits were paid by myself to various cement works both on the north and south banks of the river Thames.

(v.) Special Classes of Premises and Occupations

SUBJECT TO Control by the Local Authority.

(a) Houses let in Lodgings.

There are within the Urban District a certain small number of houses which may be considered to be houses let in lodgings but the condition is not generally pre¬ valent. The adoption of bye-laws is not considered to be necessary at the present time. At the same time, by dint of persuasion, my Department have been successful in inducing certain owners of property to restrict the number of tenants and the accommodation of their premises.

(b) Tents, Vans, Sheds, &c.

The south-east of Essex has of late years become notorious in regard to this matter but I am pleased to report to you that in the Urban District there are not, to my knowledge, any permanent structures of this kind. From time to time migratory caravans visit the district but owing to frequent visits by your Sanitary Inspector they do not remain.

(c) Offensive Trades.

There are no offensive trades in the district and bye-laws have not been considered necessary. Six fried- fish shops (one mobile) exist within the area, and by means of frequent visits these are kept in good condition.

23

{d) Lodging and Accommodation of Hop-pickees, &g.

During the summer months of the year the question of accommodation for pea-pickers was under considera¬ tion by my Department, but owing to the fact that pea- pickers do not reside over-night in the district no action has been considered at the present time.

(e) Underground Sleeping Eooms.

There are no underground sleeping rooms in the district.

(vi.) OTHEE SANITAEY CONDITIONS

EEQUIEINO NOTICE.

(a) Disposal of the Dead.

Cemeteries exist at West Thurrock, Aveley and South Ockendon. The present arrangements are adequate.

(b) Mortuaries.

There is one Mortuary at West Thurrock.

(vii.) Eag Flock Acts, 1911 and 1928.

There are no premises within the Urban District to which these Eegulations apply.

4. SCHOOLS.

Owing to the fact that the Medical Officer of Health is also School Medical Inspector under the Essex County Council, the supervision of school buildings and the Health of the scholars is very much simplified. During the year a complete inspection of all Public Elementary Schools in the district was carried out and the attention of the Essex County Council was called to all defects noted.

24

HOUSING.

From time to time in my previous Annual Reports I have expressed my own views on the housing of the district, and in the present year I do not propose to elaborate on this matter. During the last few years, since, in fact, the formation of the Urban District, a very large amount of housing work has been carried out, and I think I may safely report to you that there is little or no overcrowding in the district, and that the position in regard to unfit houses is extremely satis¬ factory. Since the year 1929, thirty-two houses have been closed or demolished by my Department and with very few exceptions all the remaining properties in the district are either repaired and made fit, or are the subject of notice.

PU

RF

'LE

ET

UP

BA

n

PIS

TP

IC

T

CO

UM

CII

25

26

HOUSING STATISTICS.

1. Inspection of Dwelling-Houses during the Year.

(1) (a) Total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health or Housing Acts) 342

(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 941

(2) (a) Number of dwelling houses (included under sub-head 1 above) which were inspected and recorded under the Housing Consol¬ idated Eegulations, 1925 2H

(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 234

(3) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation .... 8

(4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding sub-head) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation .... .... 121

2. Eemedy of Defects during the Year without Service of Formal Notice.

Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the Local Authority or their Officers .... 118

3. Action under Statutory Poavers during the Year. A. Proceedings under Sections jy, i8 and 23 of

the Housing Act, igjo.

1. Number of dw^elling-houses in respect of which notices were served requiring repairs 6

2. Number of dwelling-houses which were rendered fit after serAuce of formal notices :

(a) By Owners .... .... 3 (b) By Local Authority in default of

Owners ... .... .... Nil

27

B. Proceedings under Public Health Acts.

1. Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served requiring defects to be remedied .... .... .... 2

2. Number of dwelling-houses in which defects were remedied after service of formal notices:

{a) By Owners .... .... 2

ib) By Local Authority in default of Owners .... .... .... Nil

C. Proceedings under Sections ig and 2i of the Housing Act, igjo.

1. Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which demolition orders were made . 1

2. Number of dwelling-houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition Orders .... Nil

D. Proceedings under Section 20 of the Housing Act, igjo.

1. Number of separate tenements or under¬ ground rooms in respect of which Closing Orders were made .... .... Nil

2. Number of separate tenements or under¬ ground rooms in respect of which Closing Orders were determined, the tenement or room having been rendered fit .... Nil

E. Proceedings under Section j of the Housing , Act, ig25.

1. Number of dw^elling houses in respect of which notices became operative requiring repairs .... .... .... Nil

28

2. Number of dwelling houses which were rendered fit after service of formal notices:

(a) By Owners . .... Nil (b) By Local Authority in default of

Owners .... .... ... Nil

3. Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which Closing Orders became operative in pursuance of declarations by Owners of intention to close .... .... Nil

F. Proceedings under Sections ii, 14 and J5 of the Housing Act^ 1925.

1. Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which Closing Orders became operative .. Nil

2. Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which Closing Orders were determined, the dwelling-houses having been rendered fit .... .... .... .... il

3. Number of dwelling houses in respect of which Demolition Orders became operative Nil

4. Number of dwelling-houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition Orders .. Nil

NOTE.—Section 3 and Sections 11 to 15 of the Housing Act, 1925, have been repealed by the Housing Act, 1930, but the proviso to Section 64 of the Act of 1930 continues in force. Any Notices, Closing Orders and Demolition Orders made before the operation of the Act (15th August, 1930) and houses subject to those Notices and Orders must continue to he dealt with under the' relative provisions of the Act of 1925.

29

INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OP FOOD.

A. MILK SUPPLY.

Number of Milk Producers Registered .... 7 ,, ,, Inspections made ... ... 57 ,, ,, Defects remedied .... .... 1 ,, ,, Producers of Grade “A” Milk .... 1 ,, ,, Retailers of Grade “A” Milk .... 1 „ „ „ „ „ (T.T.) Milk 1

The conditions under which milk is handled in the Urban District are satisfactory. Samples were taken from various producers and retailers. See following table:

No. Date Sampled.

Bacterial count

per c.c.

B. Coll

present in c.c.

1 22nd February 98,000 O'OOl 2 11th April 8,200 1-000 3 11th April 6,100 1-000 4 31st May 21,000 5 31st May 48,000 0-010 6 7th October 63,000 0-100 7 7th October 132,000 0-100

Number of Dairies .... 7 « • • • 1

„ „ Milkshops 5

B. MEAT AND OTHEE FOODS.

No. of Slaughterhouses registered .... Nil licensed .... 4

5? Inspections made 320

55 ‘‘ Occasional Slaughter ” Notices 170

V Cattle Slaughtered 137

V Sheep ,, 491

yy Calves ,, 3

yy Swine ,, 345

Amount of unsound food surrendered 712 lbs.

50

During the year one old slaughterhouse has been demolished by the owner and new premises erected and licensed. The new slaughterhouse is definitely modern insofar that it has tiled walls to the height of 6ft. and is fitted with a short over-head railway for the removal of carcases. An adequate supply of hot-water is available at a small building adjoining. The efficient cleansing of the floor is facilitated by the provision of a sparge pipe inset at the wall-base at the highest floor level. Ample lairage is provided.

During the year my Department has made special efforts to improve the conditions existing in the food- shops of the area. By dint of persuasion attempts have been made to improve the conditions of the sale of food. However, difficulties are experienced in regard to co¬ operation by the shopkeepers but in some cases sugges¬ tions have met with favourable response. Several warnings during the year have been issued in regard to lack of steps taken to ensure that food produce is not contaminated by flies, &c. (Section 72, Public Health Act, 1875).

C. Adulteration.

Essex County Council is the Authority under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, the Artificial Cream Act, 1929, the Public Health (Condensed Milk) Kegulations, 1923 and 1927, the Public Health (Dried Milk) Regulations, 1923 and 1927, and the Public Health (Preservatives, Ac., in Food) Regulations, 1925 and 1927.

D, Chemical and Bacteriological Examination of Food.

This is carried out at the instance of the County Council, by the Counties Public Health Laboratories, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.4.

31

E. Nutkition.

Periodical articles upon diet, nourishment and general health are contributed to the local Press by the Medical Officer of Health.

PKEVALENCE OF, AND CONTKOL OVEE,

INFECTIOUS AND OTHEE DISEASES.

Notifiable Diseases (othee than Tubekculosis)

DUEING 1932.

DISEASE. Total Cases

Notified.

Removed to

Hospital

Total Deaths.

•

Diphtheria 7 7 Scarlet Fever 5 3 Typhoid Fever 1 1 Pneumonia 8 3 Encephalitis Lethargica 1 1 1 Puerperal Pyrexia.... 3 Dysentery 1 1

Erysipelas 1

27 13 4

The district is remarkably free from infectious disease, especially when it is remembered that there is a large daily influx of workers from other areas. The number of cases shows an ail-round reduction from 1930.

32

INCIDENCE OP INFECTIOUS DISEASE AT

VAEIOUS AGES.

Age Groups.

Dip

hth

eri

a.

Scarl

et

Fever.

Pneum

onia

.

Ty

ph

oid

Fever.

Dy

sen

tery

,

Ery

sip

ela

s.

En

cep

hali

tis

Leth

arg

ica.

Pu

erp

era

l P

yre

xia

,

Total.

Under 1 year • • • • * • - . . « • • • • • . . . . . .

1-2 „ 1 • « « » • • • • • • • • • • • 1

2—3 .

Q A

# • A ♦ • • • * • 1 1

6—4 ,,

4-5 „ • • • 1 1

* * * »

• • • • • * . . . 0 • • 2

5-10 4 2 1 • • • • . . 7

10—15 „ 1 • • ... ... ... 1

15—20 ,, ... 1 1 ... 1 3

20—35 „ 1 X 1 3 ... 8 8

35—45 „ • • * • • 1 1 1 ... ... ... 2

45-65 „ • • • 1 ... 1 2

65 yrs. upwards ... • • • ... • . • • • r

7 5 8 1 1 1 1 3 27

33

Disinfection.

In the majority of cases of infectious disease the patient’s bed is removed for steam sterilisation, but in the light of modern science disinfection has been proved to be of little or no value. Grradually, the amount of disinfection carried out in the district has been reduced and education as to the value of sunlight, fresh air and soap and water has taken place.

Cleansing of Verminous Persons.

School children infested with vermin are dealt with at the Grays School Baths. No further action has been taken.

Prevalence of Vermin.

Rat suppression has been carried out at the Council’s Refuse Dumps. No special action has been taken to deal with mosquitoes and similar pests.

Distribution of Infectious Diseases to Wards:—

Diptheria. Ward. Scarlet Fever.

6 Aveley —

1 Purfleet 2

— South Ockendon ... West Thurrock 3

The Council have under consideration at the present time the question of Diphtheria Immunisation. Diphtheria anti-toxin is available upon application to the local Public Health Department or to the Police Station.

34

Pneumonia.

The efficiency of notification of this disease is far from satisfactory, despite constant reminders.

Smallpox.

No notifications of this disease wfre received during 1932, but a number of contacts from cases outside Purfleet were kept under supervision. No primary vaccinations or re-vaccinations were performed by the Medical Officer of Health under the Public Health (Small Pox Prevention) Kegulations, 1917.

Ophthalmia Neonatorum.

No cases of this disease occurred during the year.

4. (a) Cancer.

Seven deaths from this the year.

disease have occurred during

Age Group. Male. Female.

44-55 years * • • ■ 1 1

55-65 „ • • • • —

65 yrs. upwards 2 3

(b) Prevention of Blindness.

No action has been taken under Section 66 of the Public Health Act, 1925.

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The efficiency of notification is generally satis¬ factory.

Patients’ bedding is disinfected upon death, removal or admission to Sanatorium. Crepe paper handkerchiefs and disinfectant are available for patients upon applica¬ tion to the Sanitary Inspector’s Office. Leaflets have been compiled which set out precautions which should be taken to prevent spread of infection in households and a copy is sent to each patient upon receipt of a primary notification.

All deaths from Tuberculous Meningitis are in¬ vestigated by a Health Visitor with a view of detecting all possible cases of phthisis in the household. Should these enquiries be negative investigation takes place in regard to the milk supply.

Public Health (Pkevention of Tuberculosis) Regula¬

tions, 1925, AND Public Health Act, 1925, Sec. 62.

No action has been taken under these headings.

Venereal Disease.

The Essex County Council have an arrangement with the Kent County Council (see table of Clinics and Treatment Centres), whereby patients from the riverside area attend the Clinic at 22 Cobham Street, Gravesend. Every inducement is offered to patients to attend, fares being paid by the County Council in necessitous cases.

I am indebted to Dr. R. Erskine Grey for the following particulars relating to the work of the Clinic during 1932. Although not classified into various districts, they show that the problem of Venereal Disease is of much more importance than the public realise.

37

A. Statistics relating to the Complete Clinic.

1. Total number receiving treatment: Male Female Total

(a) For venereal disease ....409 118 527

(&) For non-venereal disease.... 43 25 68

Total 452 143 595

2. New Patients:

(a) For venereal disease ....168 29 197

(b) For non-venereal disease..., 43 24 67

Total 211 53 264

B. Statistics relating to Essex Patients.

1. New Patients:

{a) For venereal disease .... 46 8 54

ib) For non-venereal disease .. 15 5 20

Total 61 13 74

2. Percentage of cases attending the Olinio.

{a) For venereal disease ... 27*4%

(h) For non-venereal disease . 29*8%

Total Attendances .... .... 15,497

Total Attendances of Essex patients 3,371

In an analysis of a hundred recent male infections, 23% were found to have been contributed by Essex.

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