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 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]
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The ages of the children and the handicapping conditions are listed, (in the table) with an indication as to future placement:-
| Handicapping condition | D.O.B. | Possible future provision |
|---|---|---|
| Spastic athetoid quadriplegia | 13.12.68 | School for physically handicapped as evidence of intellectual ability has been observed. |
| Blind and Deaf. (Mother had rubella during pregnancy and is unsupported). | 1.2.69 | Pathways Assessment Unit prior to Residential School for Blind-Deaf children. |
| Down's disease | 16.10.68 | School for severely subnormal recommended; may warrant E.S.N. School. |
| Congenital heart lesion | 3.6.69 | Ordinary playgroup — ordinary school. |
| Post encephalitic hemiparesis, and speech disorder | 16.3.68 | Day School for physically handicapped recommended. For trial in Nursery School and may cope with ordinary school. |
| Blind. (Mother had rubella during pregnancy) | 19.8.69 | Moved from area. |
| Overactive normal child — behaviour problems. | 69 | Nursery school and ordinary school. |
| Spina bifida | 18.6.69 | Day school for physically handi-pupils. |
All the children made noticeable progress even in this short period and benefited considerably
from the stimulation and opportunities provided. The good attendance record (often involving
long journeys for the mother) is an indication of the success of the group and the need for such a
unit — not only to help the children reach their potential, but to afford social contact and support
for other members of the family."
NON-ACCIDENTAL INJURY TO CHILDREN
(Battered Baby Syndrome)
This subject was discussed in detail in my previous report. The standing advisory committee
met for the third time at the Brook Hospital this year. Twenty-one cases have been notified
this year and added to the register. Each child is followed up after conditions are satisfactory
for at least twelve months. In any child moving out of the district while under observation
the Deputy Medical Officer of Health contacts the Medical Officer of the Authority into which
the child is moving, on the telephone, and records are then sent to the responsible Medical
Officer. This avoids delays in the continuity of supervision and provides help which is usually
required by these families.
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