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
London County Council 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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The number of beds occupied by patients under the tuberculosis scheme on 4th July, 1948 (with corresponding figures at 31st December for the years 1938 and 1943-47), was as follows: the figures in brackets represent the number of ex-Service men and women (included in the figures) whose tuberculous condition has been accepted by the Ministry of Pensions as connected with war service:—
| Year | Council's special hospitals and sanatoria | Council's general hospitals | Voluntary institutions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADULTS | ||||
| 1938 | 1,299(1) | 1,010(6) | 1,134(16) | 3,443(23) |
| 1943 | 1,249(184) | 713(33) | 1,323(120) | 3,285(337) |
| 1944 | 1,419(242) | 490(30) | 1,399(157) | 3,308(429) |
| 1945 | 1,233(160) | 596(23) | 1,316(145) | 3,145(328) |
| 1946 | 1,134(109) | 615(49) | 1,246(120) | 2,995(278) |
| 1947 | 1,061(143) | 626(49) | 1,360(194) | 3,047(386) |
| 1948 (on 4th July) | 1,246(65) | 661(23) | 1,395(86) | 3,302(174) |
| CHILDREN | ||||
| 1938 | 658 | 6 | 60 | 724 |
| 1943 | 519 | 9 | 43 | 571 |
| 1944 | 416 | 12 | 55 | 483 |
| 1945 | 437 | 13 | 127 | 577 |
| 1946 | 422 | 21 | 167 | 610 |
| 1947 | 482 | 50 | 157 | 689 |
| 1948 (on 4th July) | 516 | 6 | 175 | 697 |
Post hospital rehabilitation
Discussions were still taking place at the end of the year with the metropolitan
regional hospital boards and the other bodies concerned as to the nature of the
arrangements that should be made by the Council in regard to persons requiring
after-care following discharge from hospital.
Special clinics
Certain clinics were provided in the welfare centres by the metropolitan borough
councils for the general population. The facilities included clinics for rheumatism;
ultra-violet light; physiotherapy and massage; gynaecological and women's ailments;
and for general medical and dental treatment. To avoid any break in the
continuity of the provision made by these clinics it was decided, in consultation with
the metropolitan regional hospital boards, to continue them until alternative arrangements
were made. The provision of dental treatment is reported on by the Chief
Dental Surgeon (page 83). The other clinics were still in operation at the end of the
year.
Foot
clinics
The Minister of Health agreed to the Council continuing to administer the 26
foot clinics which had been established or contemplated by the metropolitan borough
councils prior to the "appointed day" but decided that, pending a decision as to
whether chiropody was a form of treatment which should be provided by local health
authorities, the service should not be extended.
Venereal diseases
The responsibility for the provision of facilities for the diagnosis and treatment
of venereal diseases was transferred from the Council to the regional hospital boards
and boards of governors of teaching hospitals on 5th July, 1948. The Public Health
(V.D.) Regulations, 1916, were revoked and the London and Home Counties V.D.
Scheme terminated on that day. The Council as local health authority continues,
however, to be responsible for preventive work, after-care and following-up.
A summary of work done at the London clinics for all areas will be found on
page 127.