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
Kingston upon Thames 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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31
(vi) Child Life Protection.
Up to the 5th. July, 1948, the duties imposed by the
Public Health Act, 1936, were entrusted to the Maternity and
Child Welfare Sub-Committee of the Public Health Committee.
After the 5th. July, 1948, the duties passed to the
Surrey County Council and the same Health Visitors acted.
As a routine duty, the Child Protection Visitors
visited every foster-mother at least once a month, and more
frequently when necessary.
During the period under review, visits were paid as shown below. Figures are included also in respect of preceding years for purposes of comparison
| Year | No.of visits |
|---|---|
| 1931 | 557 |
| 1932 | 530 |
| 1933 | 666 |
| 1934 | 765 |
| 1935 | 798 |
| 1936 | 583 |
| 1937 | 536 |
| 1938 | 502 |
| 1939 | 494 |
| 1940 | 556 |
| 1941 | 545 |
| 1942 | 765 |
| 1943 | 524 |
| 1944 | 386 |
| 1945 | 283 |
| 1946 | 290 |
| 1947 | 232 |
| 1948 | 101 * |
* Up to 5.7.48
The following table gives details regarding numbers of children under the care of foster-mothers, and other relevant informations-
| 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. on register at beginning of year | 33 | 26 | 20 | 19 | 15 |
| No. of new registrations | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 2 |
| No. ceasing to have charge of infants | 9 | 9 | 6 | 11 | 6 |
| No. on register at end of year | 26 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 11 |
| Total number of children | 24 | 22 | 19 | 15 | 10 |