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
Fulham 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]
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The following is a record of the work done at the ante-natal clinics during the year:—
| Clinic. | Number ofSessions. | Number of Patients. | Number of Attendances. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New. | Total. | ||||
| 92, Greyhound Road | 90 | 225 | 1,486 | 1,061 | |
| 170, Wandsworth Bridge Road | 51 | 138 | 453 | ||
| Parson's Green | 234 | 500 | 4,432 | ||
| Totals | 375 | 863 | 1,486 | 5,946 | |
| Obstetrician's Consultation Clinic (from September) | 4 | — | — | 28 | |
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
Ophthalmia neonatorum—inflammation in the eyes of the new-born—is a disease which does
much harm to the eyes of new-born infants, if infection be contracted at the time of birth, as may
occur unless careful precautions are taken.
When a midwife is in charge of a case, any eye discharge occurring in the infant is required
to be notified by her to her Local Supervising Authority, which in London is the London County
Council; she must also call in a doctor who, if necessary, notifies the Medical Officer of Health. When
a case of this kind is notified, the Health Visitor calls immediately, and any treatment necessary is
arranged for.
EYE AND SKIN DEFECTS.
Cases of eye defects in mothers and children are dealt with by the London County Council
oculist at Bagley's Lane Centre, and this has proved a convenient arrangement. Children attending
the clinics regularly, who are found to be suffering from any skin condition requiring attention, are
referred to the London County Council local School Treatment Centres also. No contagious or
infectious disease is allowed in the clinics.
MASSAGE CLINIC.
The voluntary Massage Clinic, for so long conducted at Bishop Creighton House, continued its
very valuable services.
DENTAL CLINIC.
During the year the Council gave dental assistance in 37 cases, in some instances giving completely
free dentures to regular clinic mothers. During the year 322 new cases attended, making 1,116
total attendances: 277 persons had extractions and 65 had fillings carried out, 35 dentures also being
supplied.
HOME NURSING.
Home nursing is provided by the Borough Council for persons requiring such attention and
unable to pay for it privately. There are three groups of cases included in the Council's scheme;
certain illnesses in children under five years of age ; certain illnesses in expectant and nursing mothers;
and certain infectious diseases.
To the Superintendent and Nurses of the District Nursing Association I express the thanks
of the Department for their co-operation and assistance.