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
Walthamstow 1939
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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Help given to Old and New Cases (all ages):—
| Old. | New. | |
|---|---|---|
| Sent to Special Hospitals and Convalescent Homes | 28 | 128 |
| Extensions from previous years | 70 | — |
| Provided with Massage and Exercises | — | 17 |
| Referred for visiting and advice | 125 | 148 |
| Clothes | 18 | |
| Totals | 223 | 311 |
"Number of visits paid, 1,095.
"Average length of stay in Convalescent Home, 13 weeks
4 days.
"24 children were sent away from the rheumatism clinic."
(6) National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.—The following summary of the work done in Walthamstow during 1939 is reported by Inspector Luff:—
| Nature of Offence. | How Dealt with. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Neglect | 61 | Warned and advised | 66 |
| Assault and ill-treatment | 8 | Otherwise dealt with | 8 |
| Advice sought | 6 | Convicted | 2 |
| Various | 1 | ||
| Total | 76 | Total | 76 |
Number of children dealt with over 5 years of age: boys, 67;
girls, 62.
Number of children under 5 years of age, 54.
214 supervisory visits were made during the year, and 90
miscellaneous visits were made.
(c) Central Boot Fund Committee.—The Honorary Secretary,
Mr. A. J. Blackhall, has very kindly sent the following account of
the work of the Boot Fund during 1939:—
"Owing to the period of national emergency, the distribution
of footwear for the year ended 31st December, 1939, can be divided
into two distinct periods. The normal distribution of footwear was
undertaken up to the 31st July, during which time approximately
650 pairs of boots and shoes were distributed at a cost of approximately
£200.
' 'The Government scheme for the evacuation of school children
to the reception areas found many children ill-shod to withstand
the hard wear of country roads, and in consequence very heavy