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
Willesden 1916
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]
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113
At the present time the care of the child, apart from
the immediate issue of the war, is the most important problem
that the nation has to solve.
In October, 1914, I reported on the steps which should be taken to complete the treatment of school children in this area, and estimated the cost, etc., as follows:—
| Minor Ailments. | No. of Cases. | Capital Charges | Annual Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Treatment of Minor Ailments | 6350 | 1314 | |
| Operative Treatment of Adenoids and Enlarged Tonsils | *3000 | **546 | |
| Dental Treatment | cumulative | 140 | 520 |
* Includes provision of six Hospital beds, with necessary equipment for
operations, etc.
** Includes upkeep of Hospital beds, including repayment of Capital
Charges, etc.
At that time action was deferred.
It would now seem to be necessary to take some steps
in the direction indicated for the following reasons:—
(а) The national crisis, with its loss of adult life, and
the consequent need for taking care of young life.
(b) The loss of grant to the School Medical Service,
45 per cent. being awarded instead of 50 per cent.,
5 per cent being deducted as stated in the Board's
letter to the Authority of the 11th May, 1915, for
the following reasons:—
1. During the greater part of the year in question
the part-time system of Medical Inspection
was in operation, as the whole-time Assistant
Medical Officers did not take up their duties
until March, 1914.