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 1964
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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53
CORPORATION DAY NURSERIES
One only, situated roughly in the centre of the town, at
Whitehorse Road, now remains. It is available for children whose
mothers are required to work because they are widows, unmarried,
legally separated or divorced. By prior Committee permission,
children from families with temporary difficulties - illness of
the mother or father - may also be accepted.
The minimum charge is 2/- per day. It may be increased according to net income, on a scale approved by the Corporation. Subject to places being available, children may be accepted at the full rate of 17s. 4d. per day.
| Details of attendances - | |
| Capacity | 50 |
| Number on books at the end of year | 48 |
| Attendances: ... Under 2 | 3,373 |
| Over 2 | 5,854 |
| 9,227 | |
| Number of days opened | 256 |
| Average daily attendance | 36 |
DEAFNESS
The scheme for examining children for deafness was reviewed.
The "at risk" register was unreasonably loaded with babies included
as "premature" because of a birth weight less than 5½ lbs
but over 5 lbs. These infants produced no greater incidence of
abnormal findings and impeded the assessment of those more
likely to show abnormalities. It was consequently decided to
define prematurity for the "at risk" register as a birth
weight of less than 5 lbs. Furthermore, the testing of all
infants at Infant Welfare Centres by clinic medical officers
(using "stycar" equipment) was introduced. Those showing any
defect were sent for re-assessment to a special central clinic.
For detailed figures see Appendix page 113.