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 1946
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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77
Mies Garratt has kindly furnished the following information
with respect to children under five years of age:—
| Scoliosis | Torticollis | ||
| Rickets—(a) Genu Varum | Congenital dislocation of the hip | ||
| (b) Genu Valgum | |||
| Pes Piano Valgus | Congenital defects | ||
| Spastic Paralysis | Achondroplasia | ||
| Talipes—(a) Equino Varus | Miscellaneous | ||
| (b) Calcaneo | Total | ||
| Valgus |
(b) Dental.—The following work was done by the Education Authority's Dental Surgeons in respect of Maternity and Child Welfare patients:—
| Mothers. | Children under 5. | |
|---|---|---|
| Cases treated | 118 | 130 |
| Attendances | 447 | 259 |
| Fillings | 237 | 209 |
| Extractions | 97 | 79 |
| General anaesthetics | 43 | 54 |
| Scalings | 42 | — |
| Dressings | 78 | 50 |
| Dentures | 21 | — |
Mr. L. W. Elmer, L.D.S., Senior Dental Surgeon, submits the
following report in regard to dental treatment under the Maternity
and Child Welfare Scheme:—
"During 1946 there was a considerable increase in the
number of children under five attending the clinic, accompanied
by a proportionate increase in the treatment given. This is
very encouraging and shows a growing appreciation of the
value of early treatment. On the other hand considerably fewer
expectant and nursing mothers attended, but of this reduced
number a larger proportion accepted conservative work and
received it. This, of course, is all to the good, and it is
hoped that in the course of time the number of mothers with
gross dental sepsis, for whom extractions and dentures are the
only possible treatment, will drop to zero. The earlier treat'
ment which adolescents and other young people are receiving
under the Municipal Dental Service should be of great
assistance in helping this trend. Cases of gross neglect are,
as noted in earlier reports, much fewer."