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
Holborn 1932
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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Among the more unusual diseases was a case of erythrodœna polyneuritis (the so-called
"Pink Disease") in a previously healthy breast fed baby, aged 3 months. A rash and
photophobia developed at 4 months old. Hands and feet became red and somewhat swollen
with desquamation of the palms of hands and soles of feet. The child gained no weight for
two months and at 5½ months she was admitted to the Hospital for Sick Children, Great
Ormond Street, with the complication of intussusception which was operated on and the child
recovered from the operation, and at 8 months old had recovered from the symptoms of 1 ink
Disease and is now a healthy child.
Another was a case of marked scoliosis in a healthy baby of 5 months old, breast fed,
weight 13 lbs. 13 ozs. (parents both healthy). He was sent to the Orthopædic Hospital which
ordered a Bradford frame cradle, and the child's back is now straight.
Mothers and children attending the Municipal Centres during 1932 were referred to other departments or organisations as follows:—
| Mothers. | Children. | |
|---|---|---|
| Ante-natal Clinic | 5 | — |
| Tuberculosis Dispensary | l | — |
| Minor Ailments Clinic | 47 | 164 |
| Dental Clinic | 44 | 24 |
| Metropolitan Nursing Association | 5 | 3 |
| Nursery School | — | 2 |
| Massage Clinic | 3 | — |
| Hospitals | 23 | 41 |
| Convalescent Homes | 5 | 23 |
| Assistance Sub-Committee (for milk) | 29 | 35 |
| Relieving Officer | 5 | 23 |
Breast Massage. The following summary gives particulars of mothers referred for breast massage in 1932:—
| John Street. | Short's Gardens. | |
|---|---|---|
| Number referred to Metropolitan Nursing Association Results:— | 10 | 1 |
| Breast secretion re-established, but small bottle feeds required in addition to breast feeding | 5 | 1 |
| Massage unsuccessful | 5 | — |
Pre-school Children.
During the year 1932, 81 children were found to be under the normal weight,
and 62 under the normal height for their respective ages, whilst the weights of 24,
and the heights of 14, were above the average. The rest of the children were about
normal in weight and height.
Sixteen suffered from dental caries and were referred to the dental clinic. At
the same time special dietetic treatment was instituted to harden the enamel and
to prevent further decay. Nine had enlarged tonsils and adenoids, eight had
enlarged tonsils and one child was found to be suffering from adenoids.
In seven cases these were removed and the children have improved in health.
One case of nasal diphtheria occurred.