London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Walthamstow 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

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14
(b) Uncleanliness.—Treatment is given at the school clinic
in cases of chronic uncleanliness. Cleansing facilities are provided
at the Low Hall Lane clinic.
(c) Minor Ailments and Diseases of the Skin.—The treatment
of minor ailments is carried out at the seven sessions of the
school clinics (detailed earlier in the report), all of which are in
charge of a medical officer. The number of cases of skin disease
treated is shown in the table detailing the work done at the school
clinics.
Children suffering from ringworm of the scalp which does not
readily respond to local treatment are referred for X-ray treatment
either at the London Hospital, or at the Queen's Hospital for
Children.
During 1937, one patient was referred. The numbers referred
during the previous 5 years were: 1936, 6; 1935, 6; 1934, 11;
1933, 4; 1932, 10.
The patient is seen at the first visit by the physician in charge
of the skin department . After confirmation of the diagnosis, X-ray
treatment is given. Subsequent visits are paid as and when
necessary.
Cases of scabies not responding to treatment are referred to the
Public Assistance Service for in-patient treatment.
Table IV, Group 1 (Board of Education), is given at the end
of the report, and shows the number of defects treated during the
vear.

The work done at the school clinics is shown in the table given below:—

Number Excluded under Art. 53B.Number not Excluded.Re-inspections.
Boys.Girls.Boys.Girls.Boys.Girls.
Ringworm75226716
Scabies101513588
Rheumatism4108379291312
I mpetigo, Sores, etc.93692011251,391844
Skin36356269328307
Verminous Head, etc.131053616883773
Sore Throat10188118165112
Discharging Ears and Deafness99175124609373
Defective Vision1498021
Externa] Eye Disease5334128100662415
Tonsils and Adenoids-21305
Mumps1413132
Various3202747015822,9072,043
Totals6606581,4691,3696,5435,291

First attendances numbered 4,156 against 4,254 in 1936, and
re-attendances 11,834 against 11,784, the total attendances being
15,990 against 16,038.