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 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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advance notice is given by a patient of their inability to attend,
the vacancy is given to another patient on the waiting list.
"Of the patients attending for treatment, over 39% are elderly (i.e., aged 65 years or more). Information regarding the proportionate attendances according to age groups is given in the following table:—
| Age Group | % of total attendances | % of Men | % of Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| (according to age group) | |||
| 65 years and over | 39.3 | 8 | 92 |
| 55 „ to 64 years | 19.7 | 10 | 90 |
| 45 „ „ 54 „ | 19.4 | 7 | 93 |
| 35 „ „ 44 „ | 12.2 | 7 | 93 |
| 25 „ „ 34 „ | 6.3 | 9 | 91 |
| 24 ,, and under (excluding children) | 3.0 | 5 | 95 |
"It will be observed that the number of women attending
is roughly 90% of the whole as against 10% for men.
"The average waiting period for a patient seeking an
appointment for the first time or an old patient re-booking is
8 weeks."
DOMESTIC HELP SERVICE
(Section 29)
Mrs. C. M. Hall, Domestic Help Organiser, reports as
follows:—
1953 was a year of yet further expansion in the
Domestic Help Service. This Service continues to be administered
along lines similar to those adopted in previous years and
has faced an even greater demand than hitherto with a large
measure of success. During the year, 2,178 visits were made—
188 more than in 1952 ; there were 11 full-time and up to 210
part-time helps employed in an endeavour to meet the everincreasing
demand for help and it is hoped to enrol more fulltime
helps in the near future to cover outstanding cases. The
number of cases carried into 1954 is 517, i.e., 88 more than
brought forward from the previous year.
"It will be seen from figures given below that the chronic
sick receiving help continue to grow in number and absorb
much of the available labour.