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
Sutton 1965
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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In December, 1965 the health visitors’ case load was as follows:-
| 0-1 years | 1-5 years | 0-5 years | Families | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 2,513 | 8,561 | 11,074 | 7,982 |
| Average caseload for staff in post (17) in April 1965 | 150 | 503 | 651 | 470 |
| Average caseload for (2l) establishment in December 1965 | 120 | 408 | 528 | 380 |
(a) Screening Tests
The early diagnosis of abnormalities of hearing and metabolism
is essential if speech is to develop and one particular form of mental
subnormality prevented. Health visitors offer screening tests to all
children for whom birth notifications are received. A screening test of hearing
is given to all children at the age of 8 months; from April - December, 1965
1,834 children were tested and 123 re-tested of whom 18 were referred to
audiology clinic for further examinations.
Phenylketonuria is a condition present at birth which leads to
rapid mental retardation. Immediate treatment with successful results
can be given if the condition is diagnosed early and a simple urine
test has been devised for this purpose which is done between three and
eight weeks of age. Although the incidence of this disease is small,
the importance of diagnosis to an affected child is paramounts: health
visitors offer this screening test for every child between three and eight
weeks of age. From April to December 1965 they tested the urine of
approximately 1,800 babies and found none to be positive.
(b) Research
Much of the field work for national research projects is performed
by health visitors who have direct contact with the families in their
homes or at the clinics. Four extensive surveys were covered in the first
few months of the life of the Borough.
(c) Care of Mothers and Young Children
The statutory function of health visitors is the care of mothers
and young babies and this is carried out by means of home visits, consultations
at clinics and group discussions with parents until the child is five years
of age.
During the period 1st April to 31st December 1965 962 infant welfare
sessions were held in clinics and 324 other clinic sessions were devoted to
the care of mothers and young children apart from home visiting.
The care of ante-natal and post-natal mothers is undertaken both
at clinics and in homes. Special group meetings are arranged and demonstrations
films and discussions take place to help prospective parents to prepare and
adjust to their new roles.
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