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
East Ham 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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155
Attendance Department has been fully discussed in previous
reports.
Many cases have been referred for special examination by the
Attendance Officers on forms 21, and of these cases 84 were
medically examined, reports and advice in each case being sent to
the Secretary of the Education Committee.
16. CO-OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY BODIES.
Reference to 9 (e) on page 151 will give some measure of the
scope of the work carried out in association with Voluntary Bodies.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children has been of great assistance in our efforts on behalf of
children whose parents have proved indifferent or stubborn.
Fifty-nine such cases have been dealt with by the Society's
Inspectors as the result of direct reference from the School Medical
Service, during the year 1931.
The Inspectors have made over 200 visits in regard to these cases and the following table indicates the work performed by the Society:—
| CONDITION. | Number of Cases. | Treatment obtained. | Treatment arranged. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonsils and Adenoids | 33 | 24 | 9 |
| Defective Vision | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| Surgical Instruments | 1 | 1 | — |
| Hospital Treatment | 3 | 3 | — |
| General Neglect | 14 | 14 Improved | — |
| TOTAL | 59 | 49 | 10 |
Two of the cases of neglect to provide proper medical treatment
involved thirty visits by an Inspector before the necessary
attention was obtained.
The fact that court proceedings were avoided in every case is
deserving of special mention and the Society is to be congratulated
upon the excellent results achieved.