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
Richmond upon Thames 1945
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]
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20
In this way, practically one half of the attendances at Grey Court
during 1945 were made by Richmond children.
PROVISION OF MATERNITY HOME HELPS.
Throughout the year one whole-time and one part-time Home
Help were employed by the Department, and in addition three casual
workers were employed, each for a period of two weeks.
Altogether, assistance was given in 97 cases for an average of 23.5
hours per case.
After allowing for charges waived in necessitous cases, sick absences on the part of the Home Helps, and the intermittent character of their occupation, the balance sheet at the end of the year was as under: —
| £ | s. | d. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wages paid | 231 | 19 | 3 |
| Payments received or due | 139 | 8 | 2 |
| Excess of expenditure over income | 92 | 11 | 1 |
PROVISION OF DOMESTIC HELP.
In December 1944, the Minister of Health issued a Circular
expressing concern as to the position of certain sick or infirm persons
who might be unable to afford the current charges for private domestic
work.
To meet this situation, the Circular gave powers to Local
Authorities to institute and, where necessary, to subsidise a scheme of
domestic help. Reasonable expenses would in either case be reimbursed
by the Ministry.
The following types of case were specified as being eligible for
assistance under the scheme : —
(a) Where a housewife falls sick or is obliged to undergo an
emergency operation.
(b) Where a wife is suddenly called away to visit her husband
in hospital, and arrangements must therefore be made for
the separate care of the children.