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
Willesden 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]
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the luxury of visiting a Chiropodist, and on more than one occasion in the past a toe has become gangrenous
with very serious consequences due to home treatment with a razor blade. An efficient chiropody service
for the aged would enable old people to remain up and about as long as possible, and thus avoiding unnecessary
admission to an institution.
Number of Patients Seen
| Expectant and Nursing Mothers | Boys | Girls | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0—5 | School | Total | 0—5 | School | Total | ||
| 1st attendances | 65 | 1 | 76 | 77 | 7 | 157 | 164 |
| Re-attendances | 107 | - | 266 | 266 | 15 | 727 | 742 |
Summary of Defects
| Expectant and Nursing Mothers | Boys | Girls | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corns | 46 | 33 | 70 |
| Hallux Valgus | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Verrucae | — | 33 | 60 |
| Onychocryptosis | 20 | 12 | 18 |
| Onychogryphosis | — | 1 | — |
| Masceration | — | 1 | 2 |
| Hyperidrosis | — | 1 | 2 |
| Blisters | — | — | 2 |
| Valgus Ankles | — | 1 | 4 |
| Callosities | 17 | — | 4 |
| Ganglion | — | — | 1 |
| Injury 1st nail | — | 1 | — |
| Bursitis | — | 1 | 2 |
| Hammer Toes | 1 | — | 1 |
| Septic conditions | — | 1 | — |
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
During 1952, the County Council delegated to the Area Health Committee for an experimental
period of 12 months, the day-to-day administration of the Willesden Occupation Centre at Belton Hall, Bertie
Road. This delegation was renewed for a further 12 months in 1953. The arrangement worked reasonably
well, but to conform with other areas the day-to-day administration was transferred back to the Mental Health
Committee on 31st March, 1954.