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 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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| 0 - 1 year | 1 - 5 years | 0 - 5 years | Families |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2363 (2218) | 9113 (9818) | 11476 (12036) | 9012 (9273) |
| Average case load for staff in post 24 (25) 94 (88) | 538 (393) | 632 (481) | 360 (371) |
The ratio of health visitors to population, as advised by the Department of Health an< Social Security working party reporting in 1961, was a ratio of 1 to 4,300 population. The ratio for Sutton in 1970 was 1 to 6,430.
3.
| Children 0 - 5 years | 26269 | (27392) | |
| Persons over 65 years | 2345 | (740) | |
| The Chest Clinic Health Visitor, who is mainly employed at the Chest Clinic consultation sessions, carried out the following number of visits in connection with the control of tuberculosis:- | |||
| 459 | (508) | ||
Screening Procedures
Research continues in the Borough with continuous surveys of children born with
spina bifida and other congenital malformations. During 1970 we also took part in the Oxford
Survey of childhood malignancies and the British Births Survey. The following screening procedures
are offered to the parents of all infants:-
(a) The Guthrie test at 6 days of age replaced the phenylketonuria test
at 3 weeks of age on the 1st January, 1970. No cases of phenylketonuria
were detected during 1970.
(b) Cystic Fibrosis at 3 - 4 months of age in conjunction with the Medical
Superintendent of Queen Mary's Hospital for Children. No cases were
detected in 1970.
(c) Hearing test at 8 months. 40 cases referred to Audiology Clinic.
It was important to detect any child with any of these abnormalities before symptoms
are apparent and appropriate treatment arranged very early in life, thereby minimising severity of
the defect.
Audiology Clinic
Children under 5 years of age referred to the Audiology Clinic for a more detailed
examination of their hearing in the following circumstances:-
1. Children failing their screening test of hearing at 8 months of age.
2. Any baby whose mother has a history of rubella in pregnancy.
3. Where there is a family history of deafness.
4. All children with slow speech development.
5. Any child suspect of any hearing loss.
6. Any child who has had rhesus incompatibility at birth.
The week of the Audiology Clinic has increased during 1970. This is due to the awareness
of the importance of early detection of hearing loss in young children and the necessity for early
treatment.
The number referred during 1970 are as follows:-
18