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

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Brentford and Chiswick 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Brentford and Chiswick]

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Maternity Hospital and the Clay ponds Isolation Hospital, gives
particulars of the Hospital work.
The Domestic Help Service continued to grow during the
year, and it became more and more popular as its usefulness became
known—it is unfortunate that recruitment of suitable staff
is so difficult, otherwise much greater benefit could be obtained
from this service. In spite of this, however, it has become a most
important part of the personal health services.
During the year, a chiropody service—restricted at present to
needy adults and old age pensioners—was begun, and this service
grew steadily as it became more widely known. The services and
premises of chiropodists practising locally were used, thus avoiding
the provision of a central clinic for which there was no suitable
space and, to some extent, avoiding difficulties of travelling for
the persons using the service.
The School Medical Service continued to be closely linked
up with the Maternity and Child Welfare Service, the same
medical officers being used for each and the health visitors acting
as school nurses. One condition experienced which caused a good
deal of difficulty was the lack of accommodation for pupils recommended
educational treatment in special schools, and it is to be
hoped that the County Council will soon be able to fulfil its duty
to make the necessary provision. The Dental Service is reported
on by Miss A. S. Stewart, the Divisional Dental Officer.
The work of the department as a whole has gone very
smoothly, and for this I am indebted firstly to my staff for their
unfailing support and collaboration, secondly to my colleagues
in other Departments, and finally to you, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and1
Gentlemen, for your great help and co-operation.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
O. C. DOBSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
School Medical Officer.
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