London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Havering 1972

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Havering]

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Phenylketonuria
The Guthrie test for detection of this rare metabolic
disease in new born babies which untreated can lead to severe
mental handicap continued in 1972, the laboratory service being
provided for this test by the Neo-natal Screening Service of the
Hospital for Sick Children Equivocal results have a repeat test
and any positive result has immediate access to hospital treatment.
Handicapped Pre-School Children
At the end of 1972 241 handicapped pre-school children
were under regular supervision by doctors, health visitors and
educational psychologists with a view to the provision of special
help when necessary and assessment for the most appropriate
educational placement
Clinics
The various services provided at the main clinics and subclinics
are as charted overleaf.
Clinic Doctors
The establishment of doctors has continued below maximum
for most of the year, the service was depleted by the retirement
in May of Dr M.E. Williams who had served this Borough for
manyyears, in particular the Upminster area where she had given
such devoted service
The establishment was varied in the beginning of 1972 by
the creation of three Senior Medical Officer posts from the
existing Departmental Officer posts These Senior Medical
Officers (CIi.nical) have retained their clinical duties but have
developed additional interests, namely Occupational Health/
Health Education, Family Planning/Cytology and Child Health
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