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 1944
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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standard of cleanliness satisfactory. There is little doubt that the
thorough supervision, help and educational work carried out by
the Health visiting staff in the homes, often under difficult conditions,
has been responsible for the high standard of health amongst the
infant population.
Infant Welfare Clinics.
Throughout the year the attendances at the Infant Welfare
Clinics have been surprisingly high in spite of the difficult domestic
problems the mothers require to face, and the fact that many mothers
are working, and their children being cared for in Day Nurseries.
Sunlight Clinic.
Two sessions per week are held for infants under 5 years, who
have been referred for treatment.
Immunisation Clinics.
Two clinics are held for immunisation against Diphtheria and
Whooping Cough. Intensive propaganda has been carried out by
the Health Visiting Staff with the result that the clinics are well
attended and a high percentage of children under 5 years have been
protected against these diseases.
During 1944 the number of expectant mothers attending the ante-natal clinics has steadily increased, partly due to the great demand for maternity hospital accommodation.
| 1943 | 1944 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of cases referred to East Ham Memorial Hospital | 24 | 327 |
| No. of cases referred to Forest Gate Hospital | 441 | 335 |
| No. of cases referred to Queen Mary's Hospital | ||
| 466 | 663 |
It was anticipated that the opening of the Maternity Block of
the East Ham Memorial Hospital would do much to alleviate the