Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Report for the year 1918 of the Medical Officer of Health
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else with the Hampstead Council of Social Welfare (who have been
most kind in allowing dried milk in several cases), and latterly, with
our own Borough Council Authorities. These have been allowing
"assisted" milk to those expectant and nursing mothers who cannot
pay the enormous price charged for milk nowadays. During the last
three months of pregnancy the expectant mothers are allowed an extra
meat ration or a double fat ration upon producing a certificate signed
by me or another medical man or woman in the Borough.
Then, passing on in one's review, I have been able to get a cretain
amount of free dental treatment carried out by kind arrangement of
the Hampstead Council of Social Welfare. I cannot over emphasize
the importance of this part of the work, for nearly all the mothers are
suffering from decayed teeth, and of these a majority show some
degree of pyorrhoea and dyspepsia. Large quantities of mouth wash
have been used with bencficial results in these cases.
Then it has been a great help to be so closely connected with the
Tuberculosis Medical Officer in one's work. I have sent him several
tubercular "suspects" from time to time, and they have resulted in at
least three cases of very early phthisis being "caught" and treated as
early as it is possible to "catch " them.
I am glad to say that systematic Health visiting of the expectant
mothers has lately been started by Mrs. Roche.
In conclusion, I have to acknowledge the great help and assistance
I have received in the work at the Clinic from Dr. Scrase, Dr. Halls
Dally, and Dr. Crookshank, the Nurse at the Clinic, and the Health
Visitors (especially Mrs. Roche).
I should also like to thank the Hampstead Council of Social
Welfare (especially Miss Doxsey and Miss Capper) for their kind
assistance, and the War Pensions Committee.
(Signed) Beatrice Mary Kidd, M.B. (Loud)."
The next link in the chain following up the Ante-Natal Clinic is
the helpful call of the Council's Lady Health Visitor, Mrs. Roche, who
visits shortly after information of the birth has been received. By the
Notification of Births Act, 1907, all births must be notified to the
Medical Officer of Health within 36 hours of their occurrence. This is
in addition to the usual registration with the Registrar of Births.