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over to the Medical Officer in accordance with the Ministry of
Health Regulations.
Prior to 1920, free milk was given to mothers and children
at the discretion of the Medical Officer of Health. The Ministry
issued a circular at this date granting free milk to nursing and
expectant mothers and children up to five years of age, which
was put into operation in this Borough. In 1922 this scale was
revised and the age of children reduced by two years. In 1922
the Assistant Medical Officer resigned and no Medical Officer
was appointed permanently for nearly a year, the work being
carried out by temporary part-time Medical Officers at the Clinics,
and the general administration overlooked by the Senior Health
Visitor, under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health.
In 1923 another full-time Medical Officer was appointed, and
the first full-time clerical assistant. Progress continued by
arranging for the services of the School Dentist, Aural Surgeon,
and for X-ray treatment for Ringworm. Arrangements were also
made with Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, Balaam Street, and
St. Mary's Hospital, Plaistow, and later with the East Ham
Memorial Hospital, for operative treatment of Tonsils and
Adenoids cases, payment being undertaken by the Council in those
cases where the full cost could not be borne by the parents.
In 1930 arrangements were made with Queen Mary's Hospital,
Stratford, for the treatment of Orthopaedic cases.
In 1926 a Sunlight Clinic was installed at the Town Hall
for the treatment of children suffering from malnutrition, debility,
rickets, etc., two sessions weekly being held. The treatment
was carried out by the Senior Health Visitor, assisted by an
additional Health Visitor, under the supervision of the Assistant
Medical Officer. The Clinic was discontinued in 1931 owing to
lack of accommodation.
Special Morning Clinics were instituted for closer medical
supervision of premature and ailing infants and backward and
defective children, and a further Clinic was opened at St. George's
Hall, Masterman Road, to serve the Greatfield area. The services
of the Ophthalmic Surgeon were retained for one session weekly
for the treatment of children suffering from eye troubles, and
glasses were provided at reduced cost.