London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Willesden 1919

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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137
Diluents:—
Barley Water
Whey
Albumen Water How to prepare.
Common disorders of children:—
Teething—diarrhœa, rashes, thrush.
Ear discharge—snuffles, wind, colic, diarrhœa, constipation, hiccup.
Convulsions, head rocking.
Prolapse and bleeding.
Bronchitis and Pneumonia—Croup—Measles—Chicken-pox, etc.
How to avoid some of these common disorders, which are often due to carelessness
on the part of the mother.
Vaccination.
Diet after weaning.
Sleep:—
Separate cot.
Dangers of sleeping in bed with parent.
Improvised cots and cradles.
Health of the baby:—
Fresh air essential.
Windows of bedroom and living room always open.
Rooms thoroughly aired. Why.
Baby to be taken out each day.
Baby not to be taken out at night.
What to do on wet days.
Care of the School Child
Clothing of boys and girls, 5-14 years.
Diet.
Care of the Teeth.
Amusements and exercise.
Puberty.
Health Talks for the Mother:—
General hygiene.
Care of the skin and breasts.
Prolapse.
Leucorrhœa.
Varicose Veins. How to apply bandages.
Menopause.
Indications for seeking medical advice:—
Pain, hæmorrhage, wasting, offensive discharge, swellings or lumps.
Difficulty arises in getting one suitably qualified person to render instruction in all the subjects
mentioned in (I.) above.
It must be remembered that Expectant and Nursing Mothers are specially interested in sewing
and knitting and that they utilise their time in making either for themselves or their children suitable
garments, the materials being purchased at the School for Mothers, at cost price.
It appears to me that the best solution would be to appoint an Assistant Matron as suggested
in my report on Home Nursing, who would give the instruction indicated in the first part of the
curriculum mentioned above, and who would have a competent needlewoman under her to attend
the School for Mothers every afternoon for the purpose of sewing and knitting lessons.
The above arrangement does not make full provision for Laundry or Cookery work, but this
would be developed as the School matured.
Recommendations.
(1) That the Assistant Matron recommended under the Home Nursing Scheme be required
to undertake the duties under Part I. of the Curriculum above.
(2) That a competent practical woman be appointed to attend the sewing and knitting
classes every afternoon.
GEORGE F. BUCHAN,
Medical Officer of Health.