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
Southall 1940
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southall]
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Grants of Milk.
Milk is supplied free or at a reduced rate to expectant mothers (from the third
month of pregnancy), to nursing mothers, and to children under five years of age,
according to a scale which has been adopted by the Council.
There were 2,570 applications granted during the year, as follows :—
Table No. 29.
| Cow's milk free | Cow's milk at 50% cost | Dried milk free | Dried milk at 50% cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | 2,683 | 341 | 329 | 26 |
| 1940 | 1,986 | 261 | 301 | 22 |
This shows a large decrease on the number in 1939, when a total of 3,379 applications
were granted. The decrease in the number of applications for cow's milk is due
to the commencement of the scheme by the Ministry of Food of supplying milk free or
at 2d. per pint, according to income, to children under five years of age, and to nursing
and expectant mothers.
Dental Treatment.
By arrangement between this Council and the County Education Authority,
expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age attending the
Maternity and Child Welfare Centres are enabled to have dental treatment and advice,
including if necessary the provisions of dentures.
Below are the details of the year's working of the clinic:—
Table No. 30.
| Expectant and Nursing Mothers:— | |
| Number sent to the dentist for inspection | 93 |
| Number inspected | 93 |
| Number for whom treatment was completed | 89 |
| Number of completed dentures | 51 |
| Number of fillings | 48 |
| Number of local anaesthetics | 12 |
| Number of general anaesthetics | 75 |
| Total number of attendances and re-attendances | 484 |
| Children under five years of age:— | |
| Number sent for inspection | 118 |
| Number inspected | 118 |
| Number for whom treatment was completed | 114 |
| Number of fillings | 26 |
| Number of local anaesthetics | 1 |
| Number of general anaesthetics | 105 |
| Total number of attendances and re-attendances to dentist | 240 |
These figures show a total number of 724 attendances compared with 813 in 1939,
689 in 1938 and 603 in 1937.
Assisted Services.
The expansion of the Maternity and Child Welfare services commented on on
page 31 of the report for 1935, continued during 1940.
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