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
Bromley 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]
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B.C.G. VACCINATION
In the effort to eradicate "tuberculosis, B.C.G. vaccination was again undertaken,
with parental consent, on children in the 13-14 year age group, who are
found to need this form of protection following upon a skin test. In addition,
those who are shown by the skin test to need further investigation are referred,
with the approval of the family doctor, to the appropriate Chest Clinic.
During the year 3,774 children received a skin test and the 3,352 negative
reactors received B.C.G. vaccination. Of the 237 children who were found to have
a positive reaction to the skin test, 86 were referred to the appropriate Chest
Clinic for further investigation. No further action was necessary in the case of
the remaining 151 children who gave a positive reaction because of previous B.C.G.
vaccination. It will be noted that fewer children were referred to the Chest
Clinic on account of positive reactions. This is due to the new interpretation
of the skin test.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
527 notifications of infectious diseases in children of school age were
received during the year.
Details of the notifications received are as belows:–
| Disease | Total No. of cases | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dysentery | 38 | 7 | 24 | 3 | 4 |
| Food Poisoning | 2 | – | 2 | – | – |
| Infective Jaundice | 16 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| * Measles | 411 | 176 | 167 | 61 | 7 |
| Meningitis | 1 | 1 | – | – | – |
| Scarlet Fever | 51 | 30 | 12 | 4 | 5 |
| Tuberculosis (Pul.) | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | – |
| Whooping Cough | 2 | – | – | 2 | – |
| TOTALS | 527 | 224 | 207 | 74 | 22 |
* In view of the introduction of measles vaccination the following figures would appear to be significants-
| Year | No. of notifications received |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 2,218 |
| 1966 | 440 |
| 1967 | 1,730 |
| 1968 | 111 |
| 1969 | 411 (as above) |
SPEECH THERAPY
In the absence of Mrs.M.M.Evans from May, the duties of Senior Speech
Therapist were most ably carried out by her locum, Miss V.M.Connery, who has
rapidly won the affection of the children and the appreciation of parents and
teachers alike.
This year has shown a considerable number of staff changes. The year started
with the full complement of staff allowed at present; three part-time therapists
resigned, two were appointed and the year ended with one part-time post vacant.
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