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 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Ilford]
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Good liaison is maintained with, and active co-operation obtained
from various London Eye Hospitals to which cases were referred as
necessary for operation (e.g., for squint) or further detailed (hospital)
examination and investigation.
The Orthoptist has continued to work at the Orthoptic Clinic at
Mayesbrook on three days a week. This is an indispensable part of
a School Eye Clinic to enable the necessary full treatment and observation
of squint cases (pre- and post-operative) to be satisfactorily carried
out. The Orthoptic Clinic has functioned efficiently.
The arrangements for the fitting and supply of spectacles have,
in the hands of the attending Optician, been satisfactory."
Mayesbrook Orthoptic Clinic.
Mrs. M. J. Mindell, D.B.O., the Orthoptist, makes the following report:
"The Orthoptic Clinic for Ilford has been held for six sessions
each week during 1954, at Mayesbrook School Clinic, Goodmayes
Lane, Ilford.
During 1954, 84 cases seen the previous year have continued their treatment, and 142 new cases have been seen. The total number of attendances per month can be seen in the table below, which is divided into two groups for convenience, those patients under five years of age and those over.
| Month | Number of Sessions | New Cases Under Over 5 years | Old Cases Under Over 5 years | Total Attendances Under Over 5 years | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | - | 9 | - | 5 | 8 | 86 |
| February | 20 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 101 |
| March | 29 | 1 | 17 | — | 9 | 11 | 157 |
| April | 20 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 105 |
| May | 26 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 20 | 137 |
| June | 25 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 12 | 15 | 158 |
| July | 22 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 120 |
| August | 26 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 146 |
| September | 19 | 1 | 8 | — | 4 | 6 | 114 |
| October | 23 | 1 | 9 | — | 7 | 7 | 117 |
| November | 26 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 141 |
| December | 22 | 1 | 8 | — | 4 | 4 | 103 |
| Totals | 276 | 21 | 121 | 9 | 75 | 118 | 1485 |
New Cases.
142 new cases were seen during the year, 21 under 5 years old,
and 121 over 5. Of these patients, 29 were seen for one diagnostic
report to be made only, and only attended the Clinic once. This figure
includes 4 cases of apparent squint during the year.
Treatment.
Orthoptic treatment and occlusion were continued with 84 patients
who attended in 1953, where necessary, in addition to 142 patients
who started treatment.