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
Ilford 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Ilford]
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58
Owing to the prevalence of poliomyelitis, whooping cough immunisation
was suspended from the 4th August until the beginning of December,
1955.
Vaccination.—During 1955 record cards were received from general
practitioners and various hospitals as follows:—
Ages up to 14—
No. of children primarily vaccinated 1,209
No. of children revaccinated 49
Ages 15 and over—
No. of adults primarily vaccinated 174
No. of adults revaccinated 349
The following table shows the figures over the past five years:—
| 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of primary vaccinations | 1,583 | 1,428 | 1,439 | 1,359 | 1,383 |
| No. of revaccinations | 771 | 435 | 469 | 465 | 398 |
| Totals | 2,354 | 1,863 | 1,908 | 1,824 | 1,781 |
| No. of live births in Ilford | 2,376 | 2,323 | 2,231 | 2,193 | 2,100 |
Treatment of Minor Ailments.— Children suffering from simple
dietetic ailments are treated at the Infant Welfare Centres. A certain
number of infants were, however, brought to the Clinics at Newbury Hall
and Mayesbrook Clinic to receive treatment for minor ailments.
Cardiac Clinic.— During 1955, 12 sessions were held. 42 expectant
and nursing mothers were referred from either the ante-natal or post-natal
clinics, and with 21 old cases made a total of 89 attendances.
The following is a summary of the new cases examined by Dr. K. Playfair:—
| Condition | Post-Natal | Ante-Natal |
|---|---|---|
| Anaemia | 1 | — |
| Congenital Cardiac lesion | - | 2 |
| Functional Cardiac disorder | 1 | - |
| No lesion | 2 | 27 |
| Still being investigated | - | 5 |
| Valvular disease of the heart | - | 4 |
| 4 | 38 |
12 of these patients were referred to Queen Mary's Hospital for X-ray
and/or electrocardiograph.
Midmives.— There were 13 State certified midwives (including the
Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, 8 domiciliary midwives and 2 parttime
midwives employed by the County Council), resident and practising
in the district at the end of the year. In addition there were 23 State certified
midwives at the Ilford Maternity Hospital.