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 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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PREVENTION OF ILLNESS: CARE AND AFTER-CARE
Foot clinics
reference has been made in previous years to the general inadequacy of the chiropody
service to meet the demands made upon it and to its uneven distribution. Further
representations to the Minister of Health seeking approval to the expansion of the
service were made during the year. Whilst the Minister was unable to agree to the
Council's proposals, he gave his approval to arrangements for a more even geographical
distribution of existing chiropody sessions throughout the County. Facilities in new areas
were provided for the exclusive benefit of expectant and nursing mothers and of old
people.
The following are particulars of new cases and attendances:
| Year | New cases | Attendances | Staff at the end of the year (in terms of whole units) |
|---|---|---|---|
The majority of treatments provided at the clinics were for superficial excrescences
(corns, callosities, etc.), and malformed nails. Advice was given on shoe fitting, foot
hygiene and exercises.
Recuperative holidays
The demand for recuperative holidays continued to decline in 1956 particularly in
respect of unaccompanied children under five years of age. Apart from the possible
general improvement in the health of the children it is thought that the trend reflects the
general acceptance of the view that the emotional disturbance caused by the separation
of young children from their parents may wholly outweigh the advantages of good food
and fresh air.
| Years | Unaccompanied children | Accompanied children | Expectant and nursing mothers | Other adults | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | School children | |||||
A satisfactory level of attendances was maintained throughout the year at the Council's
recuperative holiday homes at Littlehampton (accommodation for 36 children of 3.8
years); at Deal under the Council's Private Hotel Scheme (accommodation for
30 children of 7.15 years) and at the Womens Voluntary Service's Home at Aldeburgh
(accommodation for 24 children of 3-11 years). The Council contributed 90 per cent.
of approved maintenance expenditure at this last home.
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