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 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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It will be seen, that nearly all groups show a higher percentage for 1934, which probably
indicates that more persons are having the recommended treatment actually carried
out. This is also very satisfactory. Even a cursory dental examination takes
some time and it is obviously of advantage not only to the officials concerned, but also
to the patients, if as many as possible complete the examination. In the case of
school children it will be noted that the percentage is very low. This may mean one
of three things: a considerable proportion of the children who attend for examination
do not require treatment; or many of those who require treatment have this carried
out at school clinics or by private dentists; or thirdly, a proportion of those who are
recommended for treatment do not have it at all. It is probable that a considerable
number of these children have treatment carried out at the school clinics. In 1930
school dentists found that 69.5 per cent. of the chilldren they inspected required
treatment ; of those recommended for treatment 63.4 per cent. actually attended.
In the table for Shoreditch cases it will be noticed that the percentages are very much
higher than this figure. It is evident, therefore, that the work of the hospital is
being appreciated by the public.
Growth of the Hospital.
The following table gives a comparative statement of the work done since the hospital was opened:—
| 1927 From 31st Mar. Five Sessions. | 1928 Five Sessions. | 1929 Jan.-May Five Sessions Tune-Dec. Eleven Sessions. | 1930 Eleven Sessions. | 1931 Eleven Sessions. | 1932 Eleven Sessions Jan.-Nov when new Time Table introduced. | 1933 Eight-Sessions. | 1934 Eight Sessions. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of children's visits | 499 | 794 | 1,081 | 1,577 | 1,576 | 1,978 | 849 | 857 |
| No. of adults' visits1 | 1,430 | 3,032 | 3,505 | 6,658 | 6,174 | 5,064 | 4,085 | 4,971 |
| No. of maternity cases visits | 627 | 1,021 | 1,209 | 1,290 | 1,407 | 1,421 | 1,287 | 1,545 |
| No. of dentures fitted | 61 | 222 | 329 | 699 | 752 | 663 | 509 | 552 |
* Including Maternity cases.
It is very satisfactory that the number of visits by women attending the
Maternity centres continues to increase.
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