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

Bexley 1965

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]

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Table: The following table shows the number of cases over 65 and under 65 dealt with each year, together with the principal complaints affecting the under 65 age group

The following table shows the number of cases over 65 and under 65 dealt with each year, together with the principal complaints affecting the under 65 age group

19651966196719681969
Age 65 or over on first visit in the year12761648160616541768
Under 65 years
Chronic sick and T.B.118143145155163
Mentally disordered710947
Maternity1491601486978
Others184297262291177
TOTAL17342258217021732193

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RECUPERATIVE CARE (CONVALESCENCE)
Since the 1st April 1965, Recuperative Care has been provided at approved Nursing Homes on
the coast, to persons who have recently recovered from a severe acute illness or an operation, and
for whom convalescence was considered necessary.
The number of persons sent each year was : —
1965
37
1966
35
1967
22
1968
18
1969
21
Holidays for the chronic sick, the elderly and the physically handicapped are dealt with through
the Welfare Section of the department.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Great difficulty was encountered in recruiting staff for this service in 1965 and at one stage
there was only the Senior Mental Welfare Officer in post and he was virtually on 24 hour duty for
five months.
After re-organising the section and regrading the posts in 1966, recruitment improved and the
establishment was ultimately filled.
This section deals with the welfare of mentally ill and mentally retarded persons. Mental
Welfare Officers also arrange admissions to hospital and have responsibilities in respect of guardianship-
The following table shows the number of mentally sick persons on the register and under active
supervision by the section as at December 1969
40