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
Bromley 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]
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Table 1IB, of the statistical tables gives information on the general condition of the pupils inspected in the various age groups. Comparative rates for the past four years are shown below:—
| 1951. | 1950. | 1949. | 1948. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64.42% | 68.35% | 54.60% | 49.25% | |
| 34.63% | 30.17% | 43.65% | 46.72% | |
| 0.95% | 1.48% | 1.74% | 4.02% |
The examinations continue to show a satisfactory standard of
health and general physique, and the attendance of parents at routine
medical inspections is still high.
SPECIAL EXAMINATIONS.
Two thousand, four hundred and thirty-eight cases have come
under medical supervision during the year, necessitating 4,567 medical
examinations (2,499 cases and 4,739 medical examinations during
1950).
Seventy-five cases requiring special investigation or certification
were referred for examination at the Municipal Offices.
One hundred and forty-five cases were referred to Hospital for
Paediatricians' and other specialists' advice and treatment.
The close liaison with the hospitals has continued throughout the
year, and I am indeed grateful to them for the assistance given.
DENTAL SERVICE.
Mr. King reports: —
" Owing to the acute shortage of Dental Surgeons in the School
Health Service, it has not been possible to provide full comprehensive
dental inspection and treatment for the 8,000 school children in the
Borough. At least one more full-time Dental Officer is urgently
required. Private practitioners are very reluctant to undertake the
treatment of children, consequently, practically every child between
one year and fifteen years of age has to rely on the one understaffed
clinic available.
Inspection at the schools continued throughout the year, and as a
result considerable preventive work has been possible. In May last
we lost the services of Mr. R. B. Whalley, who attended for seven
sessions weekly. This was a very unfortunate setback to the programme
of extensive school inspections.
The child welfare service has functioned to the fullest extent, and
all expectant and nursing mothers who have presented themselves have
received all necessary treatment, including the supply and fitting of
dentures. Some five hundred pre-school age children, together with
pre and post natal mothers, received treatment during the year.
Every child referred from the Day Nurseries and Special Schools
has been restored to dental fitness.