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
Hammersmith 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
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continue. As each year passes, the older age groups form a larger
proportion of the population as a whole, and it is they who make
the major demand on this service. In view of this, measures are
being considered at the time of writing that will make expansion
possible, and enable future demands to be met.
As would be expected, the chronic cases outnumber the acute
cases by between two and three to one. Many of those still being
served during 1960 have received help for over twelve months,
whilst one case dates back to 1953. Requests for help come from
many sources: District Nurses, Home Helps, Doctors, Hospitals,
Health Visitors, Welfare Departments, Voluntary Bodies, and
friends or relations of the person concerned. There were also
requests from victims of flooding.
Below are details of a selection of the certificates issued during the year:—
| Sex and Age | Collections up to 31.12.60 | Primary Cause of III-health | Sequel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 88 | 203 | Fractured femur | Service still in operation at the end of the year |
| F | 86 | 88 | Cardiac failure | Deceased |
| F | 33 | 286 | Disseminated sclerosis | Service still in operation at the end of the year |
| F | 76 | 204 | Mental deficiency | Deceased |
| F | 103 | 129 | Senility | Patient removed to other care |
| F | 82 | 128 | Arthritis | Admitted to hospital |
| F | 86 | 125 | Senility | Service still in operation at the end of the year |
| F | 88 | 114 | Cerebral haemorrhage | Service no longer required |
| F | 93 | 49 | Chronic bronchitis | Admitted to hospital |
| F | 57 | 25 | Hypertension | Admitted to hospital |
| F | 83 | 81 | Senility | Service still in operation at the end of the year |
| M | 81 | 64 | Diabetes melitus | Service still in operation at the end of the year |
| F | 76 | 74 | Apoplexy | Deceased |
| F | 85 | 75 | Senility | Service still in operation at the end of the year |