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
Dagenham 1936
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]
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The following table shows the number of visits paid by Health Visitors during the year:—
| (a) To expectant mothers | First visits 537 |
| Total visits 1,209 | |
| (b) To children under 1 year of age | First visits 2,356 |
| Total visits 5,276 | |
| (c) To children between the ages of one and five years | Total visits 8,787 |
Infant Welfare Centres.
There are two weekly infant welfare centres at the
Becontree Clinic, three at Ford Road, two at Five Elms,
two at Pettit Farm, one at Chadwell Heath and two at
Rush Green.
During the year it was found that the attendances
at Rush Green had increased to such an extent that it
was not possible to carry on the clinic efficiently with
one session per week. The Committee agreed to hold
an additional session on Friday mornings except the
first Friday in the month. No doctor is in attendance
at this session, but as most of the mothers attending
this clinic reside quite near the centre, if the Health
Visitors should notice that a child should be seen by the
Doctor, the mother is requested to attend for that
purpose in the afternoon.
Each of these centres is attended by two Health
Visitors with the exception of Rush Green, at which
there is only one in attendance owing to the limited
accommodation.
We are very pleased once more to record our
appreciation of the services of the ladies who kindly
attend some of the centres and assist with the teas.
From time to time the profits derived from these teas
are handed over to the Committee and they are utilised
for purchasing foods and other necessities for some of
the children who are in need.