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

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Lewisham 1967

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

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Table 11

Congenital malformations reported: according to maternal age
AgeNumber of children
162
175
183
197
2013
219
2214
2310
2415
258
265
274
2810
293
30-3411
35-395
40-446
45-491
131

ADOPTION AND BOARDING-OUT
Before a child is placed for adoption or boarding-out a medical report is obtained
by the Council's Children's Officer. The report is usually made by a general practitioner,
visiting medical officer of a residential nursery or a hospital doctor. Although
these medical reports meet the statutory requirements it is the Council's practice for
such reports to be submitted to the Medical Officer of Health before a child is adopted
or boarded-out. 73 adoption and boarding-out reports were examined and reports on
57 prospective parents were scrutinised during the year.
BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS
209 examinations were arranged in connection with certification under the National
Assistance Act 1948, of blind and partially sighted persons. In addition, certificates
accepted from other local authorities and hospitals numbered 68. This certification
facilitates the provision of the Council's welfare services.
RECUPERATIVE HOLIDAYS
These are provided on medical recommendation for persons who have recently been
under medical treatment and who need rest, fresh air and good food. Persons in need
of supervision or medical and nursing care require convalescence which is the responsibility
of the appropriate Hospital Board. Arrangements are made for adults,
expectant mothers and nursing mothers, and children under five years, not attending
school. Children of school age are dealt with under arrangements provided by the
l.L.E.A.
A weekly charge is made for adults according to their financial circumstances and
there is a small charge for children under five not attending school.
The number arranged during 1967 was as follows:—

Table 12

Expectant and Nursing Mothers3
Tuberculous Adults3
Other Adults141
Psychiatric patients21
Accompanied Children43
Unaccompanied Children (I.L.E.A. Scheme)122