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

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Heston and Isleworth 1920

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]

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21
earning, money derived from other sources, e.g., National Insurance
Benefit, War Pension, rooms let, etc., weekly rent, and stating if
Poor Law Relief or relief from any other source is afforded, has
to be filled in by one or other patent and signed by both. Subsequently
the statements are verified by inquiry from the employers
and the Relieving Officers. Acknowledgement must be made of
the courtesy extended to me by employers, Superintendents of
Labour Exchanges and Officers of the Poor Law, for their cooperation
in helping the Council to prevent abuse of their grants.
During the early part of the year it was ascertained that in three
instances grants had been obtained by mis-stating the amount of
income, but on threatening legal proceedings the parties at fault
made re-paymant.
Health Yisitors.
A fifth Health Visitor was appointed and took up her duties
in September. As will be seen under " Home Visiting," the work
performed by the Health Visitors has materially increased ; and,
incidentally I believe, it has contributed not a little to the marked
reduction in the infant mortality during the year.
The area of the Local Authority is now divided into five
districts, for each of which a Health Visitor is responsible, combining
duties in connection with the School Medical Service with
those relating to Maternity and Child Welfare. Each member of
the staff is thus enabled to get to know intimately the mothers in
her district, and, by the exercise of sympathy and tact, to achieve
results that could not otherwise be obtained, whilst duplicate
visiting is obviated.
Home Visiting.
The following table gives comparative figures for 1919 and
1920