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

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Shoreditch 1933

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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133
With the babies—I think the nursery should remain as it is—a boon for
a limited number of specially needful—possibly difficult cases. My own
experience is that mothercraft for the milk period has reached a high standard
in the home and the milk supply natural or artificial is now assured.
With the toddlers after 18 months, home management, home facilities,
and dieting are very variable factors to assess, and I think in many cases
inadequate to deal with the rather specialized nurture which the present day
child apparently demands.
Medical Mission of the Good Shepherd, Harman Street, Hoxton.
Amount payable in respect of discontinued Ministry grant is now £300
per annum.
At this Institution there are ten cots for the treatment of babies and young
children suffering from acute medical conditions. Cases are frequently
accepted for admission on the recommendation of the Maternity and Child
Welfare Department.
These wards are under the care of Dr. W. E. A. Worley, who visits daily,
and is available at any time in case of emergency.
During the year 45 children were admitted. The particulars of the
conditions from which they were suffering are as follows:—
Pneumonia 4 Unhealed Wound 1
Bronchitis 7 Cervical Adenitis 1
Concussion 1 Dermatitis 1
Vomiting 2 Prematurity 1
Impetigo 2 Forceps Injury 1
General Debility 5 Constipation 1
Wasting 9 Circumcision 1
Meningitis and Colitis 1 Stomatitis 1
Diarrhoea and Vomiting 5 Pyrexia of unknown origin 1
There were six deaths.
At the Institution there are also two midwives who take the cases in the
surrounding district, but this part of the work does not rank for grant, and
accordingly does not come under the supervision of the Maternity and Child
Welfare Committee.
The Nursing staff is as follows: Matron (Miss D. Edenborough), Sister,
Night Nurse, and two Nurses (partially trained).