The role of Chadwick in medicine - 1842 Flashcards
Who was Edwin Chadwick?
Edwin Chadwick was a civil servant who was involved with the workhouses. He was asked by the government to report on the living conditions and health of the poor.
What did Chadwick’s report conclude?
1) Ill-health was caused by the awful conditions in which people lived.
2) If towns were cleaner, there wouldn’t be as much disease, and people would not have to take time off work. This would result in fewer people needing the workhouses, which would save ratepayers money.
3) Clean water and sewage disposal was needed for a healthy nation.
What did Chadwick recommend to improve health?
1) A drainage system and refuse collections should be organised.
2) A medical officer should be appointed to each area.
What did the government do?
Chadwick’s report and another cholera in 1848 put pressure on the Parliament to pass the Public Health Act. A central Broad of Health was set up, which allowed any town to set up its own local board of health as long as the town’s taxpayers agreed.
