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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66
PROVISION OF MEALS.
Despite the shortage of certain items of diet considered of
importance during the period of growth, in general the nutrition of
the scholars is good.
Cases manifesting signs of early malnutrition show marked improvement
as the result of attendance for the dinners thus provided.
Under present circumstances, as many parents as possible are
being encouraged to allow children to remain at school for the mid-day
meal, and a largely increasing number have availed themselves of the
school facilities.
During the years 1943 and 1944 meals were supplied to school children as follows
| 1943 | 1944 | |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 531,166 | 443,842 |
| Secondary | 72,594 | 70,497 |
| School of Building | 4,845 | 18,113 |
| Total | 608,605 | 532,452 |
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
During the year 1944 the number of parents who were present at
the routine medical inspections was 1,984 (3,133 in 1943), that is,
69.7 per cent. of the cases examined (70.3 per cent. in 1943).
CO-OPERATION OF 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 to their needs. More recently difficult
cases have been referred to the Welfare Officer of the Education
Department.
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 1944. The following table indicates the work performed by the
Society:—