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 1967

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]

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Table: 2. The case load for children aged 0-5 years

2. The case load for children aged 0-5 years

0-11 - 50-5Families
196519661967196519661967196519661967196519661967
TOTAL25132370235485618262893611074106321129079 8 284868312
Average case load for staff in Post (22)1501391017503486406651625513470499378

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The ratio of Health Visitors to population as advised by a
Ministry of Health working party reporting in 1961 is 1 - 4300 We
have worked towards this by the increase of establishment by one
Health Visitor each year since the Borough was formed. Our present
ratio is now 1 - 6,600.

Table: Home Visits

Home Visits

Children 0-5Persons over 65Mentally disorderedPersons discharged from Hosp.Expectant MothersHandicapped PersonsSchool Children
IllnessSubnormal
11095929211019108039289

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Miscellaneous T.B. Other Other chest
128 659 202
Research and Screening Procedures
Research continues in the Borough with continuous surveys of children born
with Spina Bifida, other congenital malformations and mongolism.
Three of the screening procedures now in operation in this borough are
directed towards the early detection of abnormalities of speech and mental
development of the infant. At eight months of age the baby has a hearing test
and this is repeated annually. Children who fail to pass the initial screening
are referred for further investigation by Medical Officers. Should hearing be
considered to be impaired, special treatment and education is commenced immediately
to give the baby every opportunity to develop normal speech.
One form of progressive mental retardation is caused by an abnormality in
the metabolism of the child which can be controlled by a special diet.

Table: This condition must be diagnosed at once if brain damage is to be minimised.

This condition must be diagnosed at once if brain damage is to be minimised.

Screeningtests of hearingRetestsReferredto AudiologistReferred to E.N.T.Dept.Referred to Partially Hearing Unit
0-2 yrs169366241
2-5 yrs80131
Guthrie Tests - 260.P.K.Tests - 2500.Referred to Hospital - Nil