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
Hornsey 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hornsey, Borough of]
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It will be seen from these two illustrations that support by public
funds in the case of divided families is tremendously costly. By keeping
the family together with some, but considerably less, financial expenditure,
the family gains confidence, self respect and is happier than it is when
separated.
It would be sanguine to think that every case can be entirely left to
its own devices once the main difficulties have been settled. It is for this
reason that the visitor slowly relinquishes her support and in some cases
finds others to take her place in this respect. It is our opinion, however,
that this work is very essential to the family in grave difficulties and to the
community in which it lives.
Statistics
The following table shows the number of visits paid by health visitors during the past two years:—
| No. of visits paid by Health Visitors working in the Area | 1958 | 1957 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expectant Mothers | First Visits | 1,982 | 1,781 |
| Total Visits | 3,358 | 2,850 | |
| Children under 1 year of age | First Visits | 4,136 | 3,759 |
| Total Visits | 160,25 | 14,568 | |
| Children aged 1-2 | Total Visits | 7,771 | 7,191 |
| Children aged 2-5 | Total Visits | 12,643 | 11,952 |
| Other cases | Total Visits as Health Visitor | 6,051 | 5,489 |
| Total Visits as School Nurse | 911 | 983 | |