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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The Welfare Centres
The work of the welfare centres has steadily increased since the
Borough was inaugurated in 1965. The preventive services for ante-natal
and nursing mothers, pre-school and school children and elderly people
continue to expand.
I give below the figures for the year, of sessions held at Shotfield Clinic alone, one of the eight permanent centres.
| Clinic | No. of Sessions |
|---|---|
| Ante-natal and cytology | 52 |
| Mothercraft and Relaxation | 102 |
| Parentcraft | 17 |
| Mothers' Club | 26 |
| Infant Welfare | 104 |
| Toddler | 52 |
| Screening tests of hearing for infants | 25 |
| Eye clinics | 28 |
| General medical clinics for school children | 51 |
| Immunisation | 52 |
| Physiotherapy and ultra-violet light | 153 |
| Chiropody | 45 |
| Dental | 447 |
| Adult medicals | 55 |
| 1227 |
Toddler Clinics
An appointment is sent to every mother for a periodic medical assessment
of the child by a medical officer. A careful assessment of mental and
physical development is carried out at these examinations and parents very
much appreciate the opportunity to discuss their problems with medical
officers and health visitors.
The Mothers' Clubs are flourishing sessions held in welfare centres and
organised initially by health visitors who encourage the mothers to form
their own committees and arrange their own programmes. The range of subjects
covered at these meetings is extensive, and the interests are wide. Speakers
and films dealing with medical subjects, home making, intellectual and
philosophical matters are all eagerly welcomed. Apart from the opportunity for
effective education in health matters, these groups provide opportunity to
encourage continued interest in matters other than those immediately connected
with the home. The present day pattern of life takes many women out of the
home and places them squarely in a professional, commercial or artistic
environment of their choice. The advent of a family today is often a
temporary phase when the mother spends her time at home with the children before
returning to fields where her earning talents or other interests lie.
This period at home with a small infant can be strange and lonely.
Frequently her own mother and her friends and relations are all working.
Opportunities for talking to others are limited and interest may be confined
to household chores and the feeding and bathing of the baby. The
gregarious world she lived in prior to her pregnancy may have ill-prepared
her for a domestic life, and she may become at risk of psychological
illness and disturbed personal relationships. The welfare centre with activities
such as these clubs provides an opportunity to meet other women with similar
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