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
Hendon 1946
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hendon]
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During the year, the following children received treatment:—
| Hendon. | Childs Hill. | Watling. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stammerers | 17 | 10 | 24 |
| Cleft Palates | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Speech defects | 11 | 27 | 15 |
| 32 | 42 | 40 = 114 | |
| Discharged: Speech corrected, but case followed up for year | 7 | 22 | 15= 44 |
| Left(i.e., School, District or suspended) | 6 | 4 | 3 = 13 |
These children were recommended by the teachers,
and seen by the speech therapist in school. They were
then referred for a medical and dental examination, and
their parents interviewed by the therapist. They attend
once or twice weekly and attendance is usually very good.
The homes are visited by the therapist to discuss the
progress noticed, to see, if possible, other members of the
family, and to gain a better picture of the child's environment.
46 Home Visits were paid this year.
Co-operation with the schools is essential, and 44
school visits were paid to discuss the speech and behaviour
notice in class. The teachers often give valuable
information.
A lecture on the 'Work in the Speech Therapy
Centre' was given to the Head Teachers on May 1st.
Preventive work is also undertaken: many young
children lose their defects without attending for treatment
if they are receiving the right handling at home,
and many parents are coming to the Centres for advice.