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 1943
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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Of the 1674 birth registrations received in the Department
between 3rd.January, 1943 and 1st.January, 1944, a total of 5
were not notified in this area, but some may possibly have been
notified elsewhere. Appropriate action was taken when necessary.
Of the 1674 local registrations, 155 belonging to other
areas are excluded, leaving a nett total of 1519.
ISSUE OF PRE-NATAL CLOTHING COUPONS.
The issue of coupons was continued up to 24th.July when,
according to instructions received, distribution was transferred
to the Food Office.
VITAMINS.
The facilities for the distribution of Vitamins outlined
in the report for 1942 were continued.
Personnel of the Civil Defence Casualty Service helped and
a considerable proportion of the assistance was during off
duty hours.
DAY NURSERIES.
A second War-time Day Nursery was opened in April. This
was a prefabricated nursery with accommodation for 50 children
erected on a portion of the Higham Hill Recreation Ground.
Both nurseries were in due course recognised by the National
Society of Children's Nurseries for purposes of training for
the Nursery Nurses' Certificate.
The accommodation at the end of the year was: -
Municipal (0-5 years) Voluntary (2-5 years)
Wyatts Lane 60 Brookscroft 25
Higham Hill 50 Friends Hall 25
30.
NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS.
1,883 births (101 of which belonged to other areas) were
notified during the year under the Public Health Act, 1936.
Notifications were received as follows:- doctors and parents,
253; midwives, 1,630.
Included in the above are 134 births which were notified
as having occurred outside the Borough.
Also included are 55 stillbirths, 2 of which did not belong
to the area. 8 were notified by doctors and 47 by midwives.
Of the total, 4 occurred outside the area.
REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS.
The Registrar-General's returns show the following
registrations during the calendar year:-
(a) LIVE BIRTHS.
Males Females Totals.
Legitimate 883 881 1767
Illegitimate 29 32 61
912 916 1823
(b) STILLBIRTHS.
Males Females Totals.
Legitimate 36 21 57
Illegitimate 1 - 1
37 21 58