View report page

7
GENERAL PROVISIONS OF HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA.
Births. The number of notifications received was 1,214. The number of
births registered in Woolwich was 1,202. After correction for inward and outward
transfers the net number of Woolwich live births was 2,170. 955 births are known
to have taken place in institutions.
Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics and Treatment Centres. The
arrangements in being during the year at each of the Council's maternity and child
welfare clinics and treatment centres remained unchanged from those set out in
the 1942 report, except for the addition of further sessions as required.
The attendances at the Maternity and Child Welfare Centres during the year
were: Expectant Mothers, 0,442; Nursing Mothers, 1,910; Children, 50,810.
The number of inspections carried out at Toddlers' Clinics was 1,982.
Toddlers' Clinics. One of the assistant Medical Officers engaged on the
examination of toddlers has furnished the following note:—
"The special sessions for toddlers only were re-started in 1942, and
quickly became re-established. The objects of the regular examination of
these children between the ages of two and five years are, firstly to detect
in the child any deviation from the healthy state, and to take the appropriate
measures for correction; and secondly, to assist the mother to bring up her
children in good health, avoiding the formation of bad habits, which are
often the precursors of childish disorders..
On the whole, the health of the children is good. The figures compare
favourably with those of pre-war years. There is a noteworthy decrease in
the incidence of dental caries, which in 1943 was 19.9 per cent., compared
with 24.0 per cent. in 1938 and 23.9 per cent. in 1934. There was, however,
some increase in clinically assessed anaemia, and in the number of children
showing a weakened muscular tone. There was no case of advanced
rickets.
Undoubtedly the Government scheme for supplying milk and vitamins
has been beneficial. Satisfactory nutrition, however, depends on many
factors besides an adequate diet, such as a sufficiency of fresh air, suitable
clothing and good housing conditions."
Health Visiting. The number of visits paid by Health Visitors to children
under five years of age was 22,091; the total number of visits paid by Health
Visitors was 30,100.
Infant Life Protection. There were 20 foster mothers on the register at
the end of 1943, compared with 36 in 1942. The number of children was 26. The
number of visits paid by infant life protection visitors was 358.