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 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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100
At the end of the year 1936 eight patients were in residence, 77 children and one
mother were admitted during the year and 79 children and one mother were discharged
or transferred to hospitals or convalescent homes. Particulars of the condition
for which children were admitted are given in Table No. 83:—
Table No. 83
| Debility and loss of weight | 42 |
| Weaning and general management | 16 |
| Vomiting | 3 |
| Test feeds | 16 |
| Mothers admitted with their infants for the establishment of breast feeding | 1 |
The average duration of stay in the wards of these children was six weeks.
Of the 79 children who were discharged during the year, 4 were healthy, 59 were
much improved, 1 was improved and 15 were sent to convalescent homes and
hospitals. No death occurred during the year.
The Committee of the School for Mothers administers two institutions, viz.,
28, Herbert Street and the Brunswick Day Nursery, Brunswick Place.
28, HERBERT STREET
This is an institution which has for many years worked in close co-operation
with the Borough Council, which contributes a grant of £1,205 per annum towards
the expenses of the institution. The Committee employs two health visitors and
the western portion of the borough, in which this institution is situated, is allocated
to them. A note of all births is sent from the public health offices and these two
health visitors are responsible for all visits in this district. Two infant welfare
centres, one weighing centre, one ante-natal consultation centre, and a sewing class
are held weekly.
During the year 199 infants attended at the centre for the first time and 2,678
total attendances were made. The number of first attendances of children between
one and five years of age was 63, and the total number of attendances was 2,469.
These figures may be compared with the corresponding figures for the year 1936 when
177 infants and 55 children had their first examination by the doctor in charge.
The total examinations of infants by the doctor numbered 1,656, and of children from
one to five years, 1,734. One hundred and ten expectant mothers attended the clinic
on 449 occasions and 46 mothers attended on 135 occasions after their confinements.
These figures are recorded in table No. 79, page 96.