London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hornsey 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hornsey, Borough of]
This page requires JavaScript
A review of all cases on the Rheumatic Register shows the following present distribution:—
| Cases under supervision | 69 | ||
| Discharged | 33 | Males | 125 |
| Transferred on removal | 15 | Females | 119 |
| Lapsed | 16 | ||
| Deaths (total) | 11 | 244 | |
| 244 |
Of the children under supervision, 111 children made 266 attendances
at the clinic during the year. In addition a number of children were seen
in other children's outpatient clinics under the supervision of Dr. I. M.
Anderson.
The present classification of cases under supervision is:—
| Tottenham Area | Outside Area | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatic Fever | 32 | 17 | 49 |
| Rheumatic Carditis | 23 | 13 | 36 |
| Rheumatic Fever with Chorea | 1 | . | 1 |
| Chorea (uncomplicated) | 4 | . | 4 |
| Chorea with carditis | 3 | 3 | |
| Rheumatic Arthritis | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Congenital Cardiac Lesions | 35 | 22 | 57 |
| Other cases | 11 | 3 | 14 |
| 111 | 58 | 169 |
Male 81 Female 88
It will be seen that congenital cardiac lesions now form a larger group
than other cases of true rheumatic heart disease in childhood. The
supervision of these congenital cases is regarded as an important additional
aspect of the work of this clinic. Many of these children need no
restrictions and are able to lead an active normal life. In other cases,
full exercise is not possible, and periodic review is necessary; the increasing
possibilities of cardiac surgery may make it possible to advise
the parents that the child's condition can be improved in certain carefully
selected cases.
Another group of children are approaching the school-leaving age;
the problems of future careers and occupations are discussed with their
parents and it is often possible to supervise the early school leavers for
one or two years subsequently, to ensure that they have become firmly
established in a suitable occupation.
100