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

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Wimbledon 1932

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]

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MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Continued progress has been maintained in the work of
this section of the Public Health Department in spite of the
inevitable disturbance which resulted from a quite unusual
incidence of sickness amongst the health visiting staff.
The total number of visits paid by the Health Visitors
during 1932 amounted to 5,603, the figure for the previous
year being 6,259.
The attendance of the children at the Centres has continued
to be most satisfactory. At the Pelham Centre the
average attendance per season was 77.56 as compared with
69 in 1931 and 64 in 1930.
The average attendance per session at the Wandle Park
Centre was 46.91, comparing very favourably with the figures
of 42 in 1931 and 40 in 1930.
The Ante-natal Clinic is held at Wandle Park House in
the afternoon on the second and fourth Thursday in the
month. The average attendance per session at this Clinic
was eight. The figure for the previous year was nine.
Steady attendance has been maintained at the classes
for mothers, which are held at both of the Centres. Home
nursing, mothcrcraft, hygiene, and singing, are taught. The
average attendance of mothers at the Pelham Centre was
24.16 and at the Wandle Park Centre 29.34.
Ophthalmic Treatment.—Eight new cases from the
Maternity and Child Welfare Centres were seen by the
Ophthalmic Surgeon at the refraction clinic during the year.
In addition to this, seven children who were already wearing
glasses, were re-tested. Spectacles were prescribed for four
children.
Treatment of Minor Ailments.—Two hundred and nineteen
children below school age attended the Health Centre for
treatment. Fifty-two of these were new cases attending for
the first time during the year and one hundred and sixtyseven
were re-attendances.
Treatment of Tonsils and Adenoids.—Arrangements were
made for the operative treatment of tonsils and adenoids in
two cases under Council's scheme.
Orthopaedic Treatment.—The scheme of the Wimbledon
Borough Council for orthopedic treatment, which came into
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