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

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Kensington 1923

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]

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26
Out of the total (167) new definite cases, 35 occupied the basement of the house.
Provision of Bedding for Home Isolation.
It is sometimes found that isolation of the patient in the home is not as satisfactory as it
could be, owing to the inability of the family to provide sufficient bedclothes to allow him to have
a separate bed. In such cases the Council loan beds, bedclothes, etc. if, after enquiry, the
circumstances are suitable.

At the present time there are 8 patients to whom bedsteads and bedding have been loaned. In 4 of these the assistance was given during the past 12 months and the articles loaned in 1923 are as follows :—

Bedsteads3Mattresses4
Bolsters2Pillows4
Pillow-slips6Sheets11
Blankets8

Disinfection after Death or Removal to Hospital.
Cases where bedding, etc., was disinfected by steam 138
Number of rooms disinfected 186
Bacteriological Examinations.
Specimens of Sputum submitted by Medical Practitioners for bacteriological
examination at the Lister Institute at the expense of the
Council 140
Sputum Flasks.
These are supplied to patients who are infectious, and advice is given in regard to the disposal
of sputum.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
From the point of view of Maternity and Child Welfare work, the year has been a very
satisfactory one in many ways; the infantile death rate has continued to fall; the incidence of
ophthalmia neonatorum has maintained its low level; there was comparatively little epidemic
enteritis; and ihe arrangements made by the Council for the co-ordination of the work of the
voluntary agencies engaged on Child Welfare have continued to work smoothly and with
efficiency.
The Borough Council's scheme of Maternity and Child Welfare work includes the following
amongst other activities :—
(a) The Home Visiting of expectant and nursing mothers and children by the Council's
staff of Women Health Officers.
(b) Co-ordination of work of the Voluntary Maternity and Child Welfare Institutions in
the Borough.
(n) The subsidisation of the Voluntary Infant Welfare Institutions.
(d) The provision of " Home Helps."
(e) The provision of Hospital accommodation for infants.
(f) The provision of Convalescent Home accommodation for mothers and infants.
(g) The provision of home nursing for sick mothers and infants.
(h) The supply of milk and meals free or at a reduced price to necessitous mothers and
children under five years of age.
(i) The distribution of pamphlets and booklets giving advice on various matters concerning
the welfare of mothers and infants.
WOMEN HEALTH OFFICERS.
The Maternity and Child Welfare duties allotted to the Women Health Officers are as
follows :—
1. To visit the homes of all newly-born children amongst the working classes within
21 days after birth, and subsequently as circumstances indicate.
2. To visit the homes and make investigations in regard to still-births and infantile
deaths.