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 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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Mothers and children attending the Municipal Centres during 1937 were referred to other departments or organisations as follows:—
| Mothers. | Children. | |
|---|---|---|
| Ante-natal Clinic | 4 | — |
| Tuberculosis Dispensary | — | — |
| Minor Ailments Clinic | 117 | 424 |
| Dental Clinic | 93 | 82 |
| Metropolitan Nursing Association | 7 | 2 |
| Nursery School | — | — |
| Massage Clinic | — | — |
| Hospitals | 21 | 71 |
| Convalescent Homes | 51 | 34 |
| Assistance Sub-Committee (for milk) | 30 | 20 |
| Bloomsbury Dispensary | _ | |
| Institute of Ray Therapy | — | 17 |
| Home for Unmarried Mothers | — | _ |
| Institute of Child Psychology | _ | 2 |
| Private Doctor | 1 | 2 |
| Public Vaccinator | — | — |
| Institute of Medical Psychology | — | 1 |
| Child Guidance Clinic | — | 1 |
| Free dinners | 1 | — |
Breast Massage. The following summary gives particulars of mothers referred for breast massage in 1937:—
| John Street. | Short's Garden. | |
|---|---|---|
| Number referred to Metropolitan Nursing Association | 8 | — |
| Results:— | — | |
| Breast sccrction re-established | 4 | — |
| Small bottle feeds required in addition to breast feeding | 3 | — |
| Massage unsuccessful | 1 | — |
Pre-School Children, 1937.
During the year 1937, of all the children of pre-school age who attended the
John Street Clinics, only twelve were found to be much below the normal
weight for their respective ages.
Dental caries was discovered in fifty-five cases, all of whom were referred to
a dental clinic. During the winter months thirty-eight children suffered from
colds and coughs while nine had bronchitis.
There were six cases of enlarged cervical glands, one abcess in the neck, six
of tonsilitis, while one child had adenoids, and ten had enlarged tonsils and
adenoids. Where necessary, the children were referred to hospital, and seven
underwent operation with beneficial results.
The most frequent skin trouble was lichen urticatus, of which there were
nineteen cases, some of them apparently due to over-indulgence in sweets. Fourchildren
had impetigo, one intertrigo, five septic spots, and three had recurring
boils. There were four cases of eczema, two of burns, and one case of scabies.
All these were treated at the Minor Ailments Clinic.