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 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]
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57
CHIROPODY
For general description of services (see annual report 1953).
There has been an increase in the number of attendances for chiropody, mainly because the service
has become more widely known, and some cases have required longer treatment.
The chiropody service must be extended to include the aged who suffer from painful feet, which
may prevent them from staying up and about. Because of age and infirmity, many cannot treat themselves,
nor attend a clinic. In any case, most of them cannot afford the cost of treatment.
An efficient chiropody service for the aged could help to keep old people up and about as long as
possible, so avoiding admission to an institution.
Patients Seen
| Expectant and Nursing Mothers | Boys | Girls | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0—5 | School | Total | 0-5 | School | Total | ||
| 1st attendances | 78 | 11 | 79 | 90 | 9 | 148 | 157 |
| Re-attendances | 431 | 17 | 351 | 368 | 23 | 1,084 | 1,107 |
Defects
| Expectant and Nursing Mothers | Boys | Girls | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corns | 65 | 37 | 92 |
| Hallux Valgus | 4 | 5 | 17 |
| Verrucae | 1 | 26 | 52 |
| Onychocryptosis | 22 | 24 | 16 |
| Onychogryphosis | 3 | — | — |
| Masceration | — | 2 | 3 |
| Hyperidrosis | — | 4 | 2 |
| Blisters | — | 3 | 4 |
| Valgus Ankles | — | 2 | 4 |
| Callosities | 36 | — | 1 |
| Ganglion | — | — | 1 |
| Injury 1st nail | — | 2 | — |
| Bursitis | 4 | — | — |
| Hammer Toes | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Septic conditions | 1 | — | — |
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The day-to-day administration of the occupation centre at Bertie Road was delegated to the Local
Area Health Committee in 1952, but the one at Neasden was entirely under the supervision of the Mental
health committee. The day-to-day administration includes cleanliness surveys, medical inspections and
treatment.
In March, 1954 the County Council decided to revoke this delegation and the Mental health
committee undertook complete responsibility for the two occupation centres. Difficulties have now arisen
in carrying out such functions as cleanliness surveys.