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 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough.
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66
Mrs. Alia Gelson and Miss Edith Joyce have continued to give us a great deal
of valuable assistance during the year by making children's garments for busy
mothers from materials supplied by the mothers and from their own resources.
Mrs. Lauder Eaton has also given assistance at the Centre regularly on
Wednesdays. Since October, Mrs. Sandheimer has assisted on Mondays at
10, John Street, and on Thursdays at St. Giles' Centre, Short's Gardens.
Assistance is given at the centres in cutting out garments; patterns of the most
suitable woven garments are given away, also directions for making knitted
garments and advice as to the choice of suitable materials. A sewing machine
is available for use of the mothers at 10, John Street, and instruction in its use
is given as required. Up-to-date model garments for babies and young children
are always on view at the Centres.
One hundred and thirty-nine hanks of wool of a special quality were sold at
cost price to the value of £6. 7s. 5½d.
Maternity outfits are placed on sale at the Centre at cost price, 5s. 10d.
One outfit was sold.
| Reasons for attendance. | 10, John Street. | Short's Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Mothers:— | ||
| Difficulty with breast feeding | 12 | 1 |
| Disorders of generative organs | 22 | — |
| Constipation | 17 | — |
| Venereal Disease | 1 | — |
| Anæmia | 17 | 9 |
| Respiratory disease | 7 | 4 |
| Digestive disorders | 5 | 1 |
| Debility | 38 | 5 |
| Dental caries | 48 | 10 |
| Rheumatism | 8 | — |
| Pulmonary tuberculosis | 3 | — |
| Other Diseases | 43 | 8 |
| Children:— | ||
| (Healthy) | 147 | 35 |
| Alimentary disorders | 53 | 10 |
| Rickets | 15 | 7 |
| Heart disease | 2 | — |
| Rheumatism | 6 | — |
| Respiratory disorders | 68 | 23 |
| Marasmus | 1 | — |
| Debility | 3 | 21 |
| Hernia, umbilical | 14 | — |
| Hernia, inguinal | 3 | — |
| Phimosis | 14 | — |
| Disease of skin | 48 | 9 |
| Disease of eye | 16 | 3 |
| Disease of ear | 15 | 1 |
| Disease of nose and throat | 17 | — |
| Dental caries | 23 | 3 |
| Tuberculosis contacts | 4 | — |
| Other tubercular disease | 1 | — |
| Other diseases | 54 | 12 |
(In this table, if the patient has more than one ailment, only the more important has
been recorded.)