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
Enfield 1944
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]
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20
During the year requests have been received from Adoption
Societies that we should investigate homes at which persons are
living who are desirous of adopting children. In all cases these
homes have been visited by our Health Visitors and confidential
reports submitted to the appropriate Association.
At the end of 1944 there were four War-time Nurseries in Enfield.
| Name of Nursery. | No. of Places. | Average Attendances. |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolks—Opened December, 1941 | 60 | 48 |
| Green Street—Opened Julv, 1942 | 60 | 46 |
| High Street—Opened July, 1943 | 60 | 50 |
| Baker Street—Opened February, | ||
| 1944 | 60 | 48 |
The children in the Nurseries have been immunised against
diphtheria and whooping cough.
No case of diphtheria occurred but some children contracted
whooping cough.
During the year the Senior Dental Surgeon inspected the teeth
of all children aged 2-5 years.
PREMATURE BABIES.
Circular 20/1944 from the Ministry of Health was received
during the year. Where the weight of a baby is 5½ lbs or less,
this is recorded upon the birth notification and these babies receive
special care and attention.
Where the birth occurs in Hospital a visit is paid by the
Health Visitor immediately on discharge.
Consideration is being given to the provision of suitable
equipment for the care of premature babies.
BABY BATHING DEMONSTRATIONS.
During the year the Health Visitors attended the Senior girls
departments of the Elementary Schools, in order to demonstrate
to the girls the bathing of a baby. On several occasions the Domestic
Science Class from these schools has visited the Day Nurseries
in order to receive further instruction.