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
Shoreditch 1932
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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The nursing staff comprises a matron (Miss Borrow), sister, three staff nurses and three probationers.
| Statistical summary relating to children admitted : — | |
| Number of cases in the wards on 1st January, 1932 | 10 |
| Number of cases admitted ... | 56 babies and 1 mother. |
| Average duration of stay | 9 weeks |
| Reasons for admission : — | |
| Wasting and malnutrition and debility | 28 |
| Prematurity | 2 |
| Disorders of digestion | 4 |
| Observation | 1 |
| Weaning | 3 |
| Establishment of breast feeding | 8 |
| Rickets | 6 |
| Bronchitis | 1 |
| Mismanagement | 2 |
| Anaemia | 1 |
| To improve general condition before operation | 1 |
Three cases were transferred to Hospital.
There were two deaths : —
Male.—14 months: Miliary Tuberculosis.
Female.—3 months : Prematurity, Bronchitis, Broncho Pneumonia.
Artificial Sunlight Clinic.
This Clinic is held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
afternoons, and is under the medical direction of Dr. McGregor, the Assistant
Medical Officer of Health, who holds two medical consultations weekly. A
mercury vapour lamp (K.B.B.) is used. Sister M. Pollard gives the treatment
and is responsible for the records and the general arrangements of the
Clinic.
Particulars of attendances during the last three years are shown in the following table : —
| 1930. | 1931. | 1932. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of children referred to Light | |||
| Clinic | 244 | 269 | 257 |
| Total attendances | 4,095 | 4,973 | 5,552 |
| Average number of visits per child | 17 | 18.5 | 21.6 |
| Average number of attendances per | |||
| session | 20 | 24.5 | 27 |
The diagnosis and progress of all cases referred to this Clinic for treatment
of rickets is checked by X-ray examination which is carried out at St.
Leonard's Hospital under an agreement with the London County Council.
The number of X-ray examinations made during the year was 135.