London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Camberwell 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell.
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in the number of interviews over recent years. In 1952 the
number was 1,479 in 1953 —1,570 and in 1954—1,824. The
majority have been referred by the Medical Staff and Health
Visitors of the Chest. Clinic, Almoners of Hospitals or Sanatoria,
local Voluntary Organisations and the Public Bodies in the
Borough.
The following table gives an indication of the type of material assistance rendered by the Committee and the number of patients involved:—
| Clothing | 67 |
| Pocket money while in hospital | 20 |
| Wireless: repair and licences | 2 |
| Taxi fares | 8 |
| Holidays | 3 |
| Household removals, and help with furnishings | 4 |
| Loan of bedside comforts | 25 |
| Loan of beds | 21 |
| Supply of bedding | 24 |
| Supply of towels | 15 |
| Payment of rent in advance | 1 |
| Purchase of second hand pram | 1 |
| Purchase of sewing machine for home worker | 1 |
| Payment to clear balance of loan | 1 |
| Fares of relatives to distant sanatoria | 40 |
| Loan of jig-saw puzzles and books | 50 |
| Settlement of coal, electricity and water rate accounts | 4 |
| Lodgings and meals | 4 |
The Handicraft Class continued to meet each Friday
afternoon. At the end of the year the number on the Roll was
16 with an average attendance of 11.2. The high standard of
work was maintained and the steady demand for goods was met,
especially for the more popular articles such as handbags,
wallets, purses, lampshades, gloves, cane work, needlework and
various garments. Many purchases and enquiries during 1955
followed a display of the work of the class at the Exhibition
arranged by the Camberwell Community Association at the
Queen's Road Centre in September, 1954.
The work of one of our leather workers was again highly
commended and he was awarded Certificates of Merit both at the
War Pensioners' Homecrafts Exhibition and Competition and
at the British Homecrafts Competition. At a Sale and
Exhibition of work at the Lord Roberts Workshops a member
of the Royal Family purchased an article of leatherwork made
by this member of the Class.
Miss V. Steward, who has been instructing the students of
the Handicraft Class since 1947, resigned in December and we
record our grateful thanks for the help and patient assistance
given by her to the students. The London County Council
have appointed Miss Crossingham in her place.