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

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Leyton 1961

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]

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[Initials and Date of BirthHistory prior to AdmissionObservations following at tendances at the Sessions
J.S. 18.8.58The mother of this child has been an in-patient at Warley Hospital. She has now been discharged and is working. The child is left in the care of his grandmother during the day. He is not so far habit trained and his speech is very backward.On admission he appeared to be an average 2½ year child interested in sand and water and dough play but ignored all other children. After his fourth visit he was able to co-operate more with other children and his speech had slightly improved. He needed to attend more frequently in order that we may promote habit training as he still refused to use the toilet. He developed bladder control during his time at the play session. Family has recently moved to another district.
J.T. 9.5.57This child has a brother of 21 years of age who lives in Harlow and a sister of 6 years of age. His mother is now 38 years old and it appears she cannot control the child. He lives in a new block of flats and is not allowed to play out of doors as he wanders off to the main road.On admission he appeared to be a bright active child who played intelligently with the equipment and listened eagerly to stories told by the nursing staff. He is amenable to all adults. The mother is learning a great deal about children's play since the boy has attened the sessions and is finding it much easier to manage him.
C.B. 24.1.58C. is an only child and his mother was not aware of his needs. He became very aggressive and difficult to manage.On admission he was most aggresive but now plays well with other children. He responds to firm handling and enjoys the company of other children. The mother is now more aware of his needs.
V.B. 21.9.58This child's father committed suicide when V. was a baby. The mother has 2 children. She is over anxious and possessive especially when the elder child went to school it was found necessary for this little girl to have companionship of her own age.This child settled in quickly, ieven though she had no opportunity for play at home she soon learned to play constructively with toys at the centre. She is never ready to go home and thoroughly enjoy these sessions.
J.F. 20.11.57This is the child of professional parents who have provided a well-equipped nursery for their son, but the mother, who is a teacher felt that J. needed the companionship of other children. J. is very demanding.Very intelligent child who settled down quickly. He co operates well and uses all the equipment constructively. He enjoys the company of other children and his mother too is benefiting from the short break of this demanding toddler.

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