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
Holborn 1920
Report for the year 1920 of the Medical Officer of Health
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Health Visitors.—Visits paid by Health Visitors during the year.
To Expectant Mothers. (1) First Visits 44. (2) Total Visits 108.
To Infants. (1) First Visits 687. (2) Total Visits to all children up to
5 years of age, 1534.
One visit frequently includes a visit to several young children in the same
family.
Total number of Health Visitors attendances at the Centres during the year, 479.
Attendance of mothers and children at Centres.
| John Street. | Short's Gardens. | Mary Ward. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5430 | 982 | 836 |
| Weekly Average | 108 | 19.5 | 16.5 |
| Number of Individuals | 553 | 112 | 83 |
The Council's Centres and Clinics were open during the year as follows :—
| Sessions. | Day and Time of Meeting. | Average Attendance | Medical Supervision and Description of Session. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 John Street | Weekly | Mon. 2 to 4 p.m. | Mothers 17 | Class for Mothers. |
| Do. | Do. | Wed. 2 to 4 p.m. | Children 43 | Med. Off. attends for Infant Consultations. |
| Do. | Fortnightly | Wed. 10 a.m. to 12 noon. | Expectant Mothers 7 | Med. Off. attends for Ante-natal Clinic. |
| Do. | Weekly | Thurs. 2 to 4 p.m. | Mothers 17 | Class. |
| Do. | Do. | Do. | Mothers & Children 10 | Dental Clinic. |
| Do. | Do. | Fri. 2 to 4.30 p.m. | Children 26 | Med. Off. attends for Infant Consultations Med. Off. for Infant Consultations. |
| 45 Short's Gardens | Fortnightly | Tues. 2 to 4 p.m. | Do. 21 | |
| Do. | Do. | Mothers 10 | Class. |
In addition to above several social functions were arranged for mothers attending
the Centre during the year.
Since the year 1906 arrangements have been made for the supply of prepared
milk, for infants who cannot be breast fed, at a reduced rate per day on production
of a Certificate from me. This milk was used by 120 infants during the year in
comparison with 69 in 1919. The 120 included 17 who were still taking the milk at the
beginning of 1920. The results, when prepared milk is properly used are most satisfactory.
Of the 103 new certificates issued during the year, 44 were for full price payments
and 59 necessitous mothers were assisted, including 18 free of cost.
The Milk (Mothers and Children) Order, February, 1918, the principle of which
had previously been carried out in this Borough by voluntary assistance, was at
once adopted and was continued during the year 1919. This Order was revoked by
the Milk (Mothers and Children) Order, 1919, dated 22nd December, 1919. The
Council decided, instead of supplying milk under the New Order, to submit for the
approval of the Ministry of Health a scheme under the Maternity and Child Welfare
Act, 1918, for the supply of milk and food to necessitous expectant and nursing
mothers, and young children under 5 years of age. This scheme was approved by the
Ministry of Health and has been in operation throughout the year.