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
Chelsea 1937
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1937
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The following table shows for the past two years, the extent of this service:— TABLE No. 27.
| Year. | Milk Orders issued and taken up. | Approx. Cost. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March quarter. | June quarter. | Sept. quarter. | Dec. quarter. | *Total. | ||
| £ | ||||||
*These totals do not include orders subsequently cancelled or withdrawn, which
average 80 or more during each year.
It will be observed that in 1937 there was a large increase in the cost of
milk. Cows milk was supplied to 84 per cent, of the applicants, dried
milk being supplied to the remaining 16 per cent.
The total quantity of milk supplied during the year to expectant and nursing mothers and young children was as follows:—
| Cows Milk, free of cost | 4326 gallons |
| Cows Milk at reduced cost | 899 „ |
| 5225 „ | |
| Dried Milk, free of cost | 962 lbs. |
| Dried Milk at reduced cost | 208 „ |
| Total | 1170 „ |
The arrangements for the supply of milk in the Borough are working
satisfactorily. Families in receipt of out-relief do not come under the
Council's scheme for the supply of milk to necessitous mothers and
children. These cases are dealt with entirely by the Public Assistance
Committee, who grant the necessary extra milk on a certificate signed by
a Doctor at the Welfare Centre. This scheme obviates the undesirable
practice of an individual being granted a somewhat similar form of relief
by two different authorities.
The supply of milk under the Borough Council Scheme has undoubtedly
effected very marked improvement in the general health of both mothers
and children.
INSTITUTIONAL PROVISION FOR UNMARRIED MOTHERS,
ILLEGITIMATE INFANTS AND HOMELESS CHILDREN.
(a.) The Day Servants Hostel, 29-33, Danvers Street, Chelsea, provides
accommodation for 15 unmarried mothers and their infants. Cases
are not received until after birth of the child. Daily work is provided
by the Hostel and the mothers reside with their babies at night.
(b.) The Fanny Hobson Hostel, 497, King's Road, Chelsea, provides
accommodation for 20 women on discharge from prison or if found