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

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Camberwell 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell.

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26
During the same period 17 families were supplied with milk
by the Council at the request of the London County Council under
that Authority's extra nourishment scheme, the cost of such issues
being refunded by the Public Assistance Department.
Following the receipt of Ministry of Health Circular 1519,
dated April 1st, 1937, the Council gave consideration to the scale
of income below which milk is supplied to expectant and nursing
mothers and children under five years of age free or at half cost. The
purport of this Circular was to request Authorities to review their
arrangements so as to ensure that sufficient milk or other food is
provided whenever this provision is necessary for the maintenance
of the health of the mother or young child. It was also suggested
that the scale of income adopted for this purpose should be so framed
as not to render it difficult for any mother to take advantage of the
Authority's arrangements.
The Council increased the quantity of milk to be supplied in
future to persons recommended for this service, and revised the
Income Scale as follows: —

Income Scale after Deduction of Rent, Fares, National Health and Unemployemnt Insurance Contributions.

No. in family.Amount per head.Amount per head.
Free.Half-Price.
s.d.s.d.
1160180
2130140
3106116
496106
58696
6 and over8090

The adopted alterations of the Milk Distribution Scheme were
brought to the notice of the Ministry of Health who, in a letter to
the Council, stated that they were glad to note this extension of the
Council's Maternity and Child Welfare Service.
Treatment of Minor Ailments.
In December, 1936, the Council approved a Scheme for the
treatment at London County Council School Treatment Centres
of children under five years of age, attending Infant Welfare Centres
in the Borough and recommended by Clinic Medical Officers for
treatment.
The Council pays the County Council charges ranging from
7s. 7d. to 17s. 8d. for each child, such payments being inclusive of
treatment for a period of six months. The following summary
indicates the nature of the ailments for which treatment was given