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

Hillingdon 1970

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]

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NURSING AGENCIES
There is one Nursing Agency in the Borough, and this continues to be conducted in a
satisfactory manner.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Table: The total number of cases considered for medical assessment during 1970 was, at 2,233, the highest figure for any year to date. The relatively small number of teachers examined (and only those taking up their first teaching post are routinely medically examined) was more than offset by the rise in the number of other staff assessed. It is interesting to note that despite the increase in the total number of assessments carried out during 1970, the number of people actually medically examined was the lowest so far and at 516 represented 23% of the total. Of these 276 were in categories requiring routine medical examinations (e.g. teachers, students, etc.) so that in only 12% (240) of those cases in which discretion could be exercised, based on scrutiny of completed medical questionnaires, was a medical examination considered necessary.

The total number of cases considered for medical assessment during 1970 was, at 2,233, the highest figure for any year to date. The relatively small number of teachers examined (and only those taking up their first teaching post are routinely medically examined) was more than offset by the rise in the number of other staff assessed. It is interesting to note that despite the increase in the total number of assessments carried out during 1970, the number of people actually medically examined was the lowest so far and at 516 represented 23% of the total. Of these 276 were in categories requiring routine medical examinations (e.g. teachers, students, etc.) so that in only 12% (240) of those cases in which discretion could be exercised, based on scrutiny of completed medical questionnaires, was a medical examination considered necessary.

19661967196819691970
Total Number of Assessments2,0342,0222,0721,7732,233
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS Routine (i) Teachers (First appointment)1731291116678
(ii) Students (On selection forTeachers Training College)159240219177188
(iii) Requests from other Authorities141471110
Other Staff Examined319409398323240
Total number of Medical Examinations665792735577516
Number Assessed without Examinations1,3691,2301,3371,1961,717
% Total Assessed by Medical Examination32-6%39%35%32-5%23%
% Assessed by Examination when Routine Medical not required19%25%23%21%12%

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PREVENTION OF BREAK-UP OF FAMILIES
During the year under review two meetings were held under the joint Chairmanship of the
Medical Officer of Health and the Children's Officer to consider what assistance the Borough's
services should provide to promote the health of children and prevent a possible break-up of
families. The meetings were attended by a variety of social agencies from different departments
within the Corporation and from other Statutory bodies. Seven new cases were discussed and
helped during 1970, and a further 29 cases were reviewed. At the end of 1970 it was possible
to remove 8 cases from the register since no further help was required.
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