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
Wimbledon 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]
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| Spastic Paraplegia | 1 |
| Tuberculous Joints (arrested) | 2 |
| Postural defects | 35 |
| Other defects | 5 |
| Total | 60 |
Most of these children had been previously under treatment
at various hospitals in London and very few cases required
further in-patient treatment.
The following table gives an indication of the treatment carried out at the Clinic:—
| Number of children referred to Pyrford for in-patient treatment | 1 |
| Number of children referred to St. Thomas's Hospital for out-patient treatment | 1 |
| Number of children referred to St. Thomas's Hospital for X rays | 7 |
| Number of children referred for alterations to surgical boots, etc. | 14 |
| Number of children referred for exercises and massage | 49 |
| Total | 72 |
The Orthopaedic Nurse attended for 16 sessions in order to
carry out the remedial exercises and massage. 49 children were
referred by the Orthopædic Surgeon for treatment of this nature.
165 attendances were made. The average number of children
attending at each session for exercise and massage was just over
10.
In order that the maximum benefit could be obtained, the
parents of the children were encouraged to be present. Many of
the exercises taught by the Orthopædic Nurse could then be
carried out daily in the homes. Great importance was attached
to obtaining the co-operation of the parents. The majority of
them were quite keen to take their share in this work. The
results are always slow in this type of case, but one or two of
of the children were allowed to carry on at home without further
attendance at the Health Centre.
The Surgeon sees these children from time to time to note
their progress and to see that no relapse occurs.
There is no doubt that the scheme has been a great success
in Wimbledon, and is greatly appreciated by the parents. Already
the number of sessions per week of the Orthopaedic Nurse has
80