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
Barnes 1920
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnes]
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16 Child Welfare.
A Hostel for Deserted or Unmarried Mothers with their babies
has been opened at Epsom, and provides 10 beds for Surrey women.
The Surrey County Council have also made arrangements for the
admission of mothers with children under 5 years into convalescent
homes at Bexhill and St. Leonards, upon the recommendation of
Medical Officers of Child Welfare Centres.
With regard to Dental Treatment for Expectant Mothers, I have
drawn up a scheme, after conference with the local dentists, which
might extend to the children of school age. The scheme, however,
still awaits confirmation by the County.
The Barnes and Mortlake Day Nursery receives, by the day, the
children of mothers who have to go out to work.
HEALTH VISITORS.
There are two Health Visitors, one for Barnes and one for Mortlake. An account of their work for the year is summarised below:—
| BARNES. | MORTLAKE. | |
|---|---|---|
| School visits for inspection for cleanliness | 141 | 249 |
| No. of children inspected | 9248 | 12378 |
| „ „ children excluded for uncleanliness | 141 | 144 |
| „ „ attendances at the various Clinics | 49 | 128 |
| „ „ attendances at Child Welfare Centre | 45 | 59 |
| „ „ Infant visits at their homes | 724 | 1021 |
| „ „ Visits re Infectious Diseases | 125 | 163 |
| „ „ Visits re Tuberculosis | 146 | 19 |
| „ Attendances at Tuberculosis Dispensary | 74 | 10 |
| „ „ Other Visits | 115 | 152 |
| „ „ Babies' attendances at C. W. Centre | 727 | 1228 |
| „ „ Mothers' attendances at C. W. Centre | 916 | 1708 |
| „ „ Older children's attendances at C. W Centre | 327 | 358 |
PUBLIC HEALTH AND HOSPITAL STAFFS.
The Public Health Department has an Inspector of Nuisances,
and one qualified Assistant Sanitary Inspector and a Junior Clerk.
Food Sampling is done by the County Authorities.
The Shop Act is administered by the Inspector of Nuisances.
Work done under the Housing Act of 1919 is reported to the