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
City of Westminster 1930
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]
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With regard to the incidence of venereal disease the following table shows the death-rates of infants per 1,000 births, certified to have died from syphilis:—
I here are a number of cases in winch inflammation develops in
the eyes of recently-born infants, and if the discharge remains watery
in nature and pus does not form the condition need not be classified as
ophthalmia. The infection, nevertheless, may be gonococcal in origin.
Those are necessarily mild cases but it is important that they should
be recognised and treated at an early stage, because if neglected genuine
purulent ophthalmia might ensue.
Sixteen cases were notified during the year, 9 of those being
treated in hospital. There were also 15 instances of watery discharge
from the eyes which were brought to the notice of the health visitors.
All cases of ophthalmia neonatorum are visited as soon as possible after
notification in order to see that adequate treatment is being provided.
Treatment by the district nurses was carried out in 2 cases, 26 visits
being paid.
It is satisfactory to note that although the incidence of ophthalmia
neonatorum has somewhat increased, investigations show that the
infections are much milder in character. At the end of the year, it is
reported that no case' of impaired vision had resulted among the cases
notified throughout the year.
Dental Treatment.—The Council provides for the treatment of cases
both under the Maternity and Child Welfare and Tuberculosis Schemes.
Figures relating to the latter will be found in the Tuberculosis Section of
the Report. Expectant and nursing mothers, and children under five years
of age, are eligible for treatment.
Mr. W. H. Turner, the Dental Surgeon, owing to ill-health, found it
necessary to apply for long leave of absence, and the Council approved
the appointment of Mr. Stewart Tait, L.D.S., as his locum tenens at
the Dental Clinic during the former's absence.
The Dental Surgeon submits the following report:—
I have much pleasure in submitting my report for the above Clinic for
the paBt year.
There has been a considerable increase in the number of new cases
seen at the Clinic, which is very gratifying as it points to a more general