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

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Shoreditch 1950

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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25.
The Matron is not only fully-trained in every possible direction,
required, but has also the advantage of being a Sister-tutor, so
that, even mothers who have not become used to dealing with their
babies' feeding difficulties, can come in the confidence that
expert help is there in case of need. During the times when
Matron is absent, our ex-Superintendent Health Visitor, equally
conversant with all difficulties and their remedies, holds herself
available as a worthy replacement, although most of her normal
duties to do with the Home take place in Shoreditch - arranging
admissions, visiting the more local prospective visitors, contacting
Almoners, etc.
The large gardens keep 3 members of the staff fully occupied,
but produce not only fresh vegetables for the Home, but fruit and
flowers which are shared with the Clubs in Shoreditch itself. These
and other transfers of goods and people take place regularly in the
Council's own coach (converted from a canteen presented by the
American Red Cross during the "blitz").

The numbers of persons attending Copthorne during 1950 were as follows:-

Adults110
10-18 years31
5-10 years.49
9 months - 5 years62
Under 9 months14
Old People.139
Conference members.53

3. Other services for the Old People in Shoreditch who are homebound
include (1) "Meals on "Wheels" distribution of almost 100 hot
mid-day meals each week in Council transport with the help of the
W.V.S. , (2) carrying of books to and from the Council's libraries,
for those homebound who wish, (3) seeing that any help required
from home helps, district nurses, our disinfectors and so forth
is available when needed.
4. A pool of bath chairs is maintained and these are lent out as
and when required by any person in the Borough. Similarly with
bed-pans and certain other articles.
5. Several other services started by the Borough Council before
1948 are still available through the London County Council, such as
(1) a Council chiropody service, which occupies two-full time
chiropodists for 3 sessions a day from Monday to Friday, (2) a Council