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
Croydon 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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Table X.
| Group. | No. of Children Inspected. | No. referred for treatment. | Percentage referred for treatment. | Corresponding percentage for 1937. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrants | 2913 | 565 | 19.4 | 20.5 |
| Intermediates | 3195 | 717 | 22.5 | 19.4 |
| Leavers | 1984 | 315 | 15.9 | 21.3 |
| Other Ages | 19 | 7 | 36.8 | 22.0 |
| 8111 | 1604 | 19.8 | 21.7 |
The fact that 19.4 per cent. of children examined shortly after
entering school at 5 years of age required treatment of some kind
in an adverse commentary upon the lack of any systematic medical
and dental supervision of the pre-school child.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee during the year
made provision for the treatment of children under school ages
found to be suffering from minor disabilities. Naturally this only
reaches children who are attending the Infant Welfare Centres;
but nevertheless it is a considerable step forward towards achieving
a reduction in the amount of disability previously found at the first
routine medical examination after entering school.
Similar Clinic facilities are now available for children under
school age as are provided for school children.