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
Ilford 1950
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Ilford]
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During 1950, 60 private doctors were supplied with prophylactic for the immunisation of 1,010 children and record cards were received from general practitioners as follows:—
| Under 5 | Over 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Inoculations (full course) | 841 | 25 |
| Re-inoculations (one only) | — | 144 |
Vaccination.—During 1950 record cards were received from general
practitioners and various hospitals as follows:—
Ages up to 14—
No. of children primarily vaccinated 1,095
No. of children revaccinated 60
Ages 15 and over—
No. of adults primarily vaccinated 103
No. of adults revaccinated 313
Treatment of Minor Ailments.—Children suffering from simple
dietetic ailments are treated at the Infant Welfare Centres. 2 belts were
supplied to infants suffering from hernia during 1950. A certain number
of infants were brought to the Clinics at Newbury Hall and Mayesbrook
Clinic to receive treatment for minor ailments.
Cardiac Clinic.—During 1950 eleven sessions were held. 27 expectant
and nursing mothers were referred from either the ante-natal or post-nata
clinics making a total of 67 attendances.
The following is a summary of the cases examined by Dr. K. Playfair:
| Condition | Post-Natal | Ante-Natal |
| Congenital Cardiac lesion | 1 | 1 |
| Extrasystoles | — | 3 |
| Functional Cardiac disorder | 1 | 3 |
| Myocardial lesion | — | 2 |
| No lesion | 1 | 8 |
| Still being investigated | — | 1 |
| Valvular disease of the heart | — | 6 |
| Totals | 3 | 24 |
21 of these patients were referred to Queen Mary's Hospital for X-Ray
and electrocardiograph.
Midwives.—There were 16 State certified midwives (including the
Superintendent. Deputy Superintendent. 10 domiciliary midwives and 2 parttime
midwives). resident and practising in the district at the end of the
year. In addition there were 21 State certified midwives at the Ilford
Maternity Hospital and one at Wilnett Lodge post-natal home.
At the beginning of the year there was one private nursing home in
the area which dealt with maternity patients, but this closed down in
October. 1950.
Supervision of the midwives practising on the district, including
regular inspections by the Medical Supervisor of Midwives, was carried
out as in previous years, and general supervision, in accordance with the
Rules of the Central Midwives Board, was exercised over the midwive
practising at the Ilford Maternity Hospital and the Wilnett Lodge Hostel.
Suspension from Practice.—No midwives were suspended from practice
during the year.
Medical Aid.—Medical aid was sought in 4 instances where the infant
was found to have inflamed or discharging eyes. In all cases the condition
of the eyes cleared satisfactorily.
Domiciliary Midwifery Service.—At the end of the year there were
10 Domiciliary Midwives employed wholetime and 2 part-time midwives
in addition to the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent.