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
Haringey 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Haringey]
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Analysis of Pre-School children on Observation Register as at 31st December, 1971
Categories of Observation
| Deafness of genetic orgin in parents or siblings | 47 |
| History of maternal rubella in the first four months of pregnancy | 18 |
| Gestation 36 weeks or less | 231 |
| Birthweight under 4 lbs | 39 |
| Moderate or severe birth asphyxia | 350 |
| Difficulty in sucking or swallowing | 4 |
| Failure to thrive not explained by simple feeding problem | 80 |
| Convulsions | 7 |
| Cyanotic attacks or severe apnoeaic spells | 25 |
| Abnormal neurological signs in neo-natal period | 36 |
| Haemolytic disease of the newborn | 183 |
| Congenital abnormalities | 201 |
| "Late" or "Late Intake" | 202 |
| Mother in care of mental health service | 19 |
| TOTAL | 1,442 |
Number of children born during the year 4,292
Number placed on observation register 713 (16.6%)
Where there is a particular risk of deafness, children are examined at the audiology unit as well as at the routine
child health sessions. 124 such young children were seen at the unit during 1971.
Analysis of Pre-School Children on Handicapped Register at 31st December, 1971
Categories of Handicap
| Partially-sighted | 5 | Physically handicapped | 44 |
| Deaf | 1 | Mental handicap | 52 |
| Partially-hearing | 3 | Miscellaneous | 12 |
| Total | 117 |
Nursing Services
Miss M. Smith — Director of Nursing Services
Health Visiting
As in previous years, the full establishment of health visitors could not be achieved. Vacancies at the end of the
year were 5.6 compared with 6.4 at the end of 1970. The one additional member of staff resulted in increased
home visits, an essential part of this preventive service.
Home visits made by Health Visitors:—
| 1970 | 1971 | |
|---|---|---|
| Expectant Mothers | 1,824 | 2,234 |
| Children under 1 year | 10,346 | 11,937 |
| Children aged 1 -2 | 9,718 | 11,600 |
| Children aged 2-5 | 16,102 | 17,474 |
| Other cases | 2,654 | 2,969 |
| TOTAL | 40,644 | 46,214 |
Student Health Visitors
The two sponsored student health visitors, on completion of their training in September, were successful in
obtaining the Health Visitors Certificate and were appointed to the staff. Four students commenced the year's
training in September 1971. Training of student Health Visitors and their subsequent recruitment unfortunately
46