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
Holborn 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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Mothers and children attending the Municipal Centres during 1931 were referred to other departments or organisations as follows:—
| Mothers. | Children. | |
|---|---|---|
| Ante-natal Clinic | 7 | — |
| Tuberculosis Dispensary | — | — |
| Minor Ailments Clinic | 34 | 75 |
| Dental Clinic | 67 | 52 |
| Metropolitan Nursing Association | 4 | 3 |
| Nursery School | - | 1 |
| Massage Clinic | 4 | — |
| Hospitals | 7 | 47 |
| Convalescent Homes | 4 | 19 |
| Assistance Sub-Committee (for milk) | 31 | 32 |
| Relieving Officer | 1 | — |
Breast Massage. The following summary gives particulars of mothers referred for breast massage in 1931:-
| John Street. | Short's Gardens. | |
|---|---|---|
| Number referred to Metropolitan Nursing Association | 7 | 3 |
| Results:— | ||
| Breast secretion re-established, but small bottle feeds required in addition to breast feeding | 3 | 2 |
| Massage unsuccessful | 4 | 1 |
Pre-school Children.
Mothers are apt to think that when their babies are well on into their third
year they no longer require medical supervision. The result has been that children
from two to five years of age gradually develop defects which are not noticed by
their parents, and when these defects are subsequently detected by the school
doctor after admission to school valuable time has been lost. The Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee in consequence determined to provide for the routine
medical inspection of these children in Holborn. On Monday, April 13t>h, 1931,
an additional session for them was started at No. 10, John Street.
Much propaganda work amongst parents has been done, and will be necessary
for a long while to come, to persuade parents of the need for attendance of a child
at a clinic after the age of two; a separate session is useful as a means of
emphasising the value of such attendance.
Thirty-six sessions were held; 127 individual children, two to five years of age
attended. The total attendances were 436 (190 two-three years, 138 three-four
years, and 108 were four-five years).
In addition to the above, 67 other children between the ages of two to five
years attended the John Street Centre on Wednesdays or Fridays, and were seen
at the clinics held on those days.
At their first attendance 22 children were found to be cf normal weight and height for their
respective ages, 55 were below, and 50 above normal. Those who were below standard have,
in nearly every case, responded satisfactorily to the advice given at the clinic.