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 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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Research continued in the borough in the following projects
(1) National Survey of Health and Development
(2) Spina Bifida Survey (G.L.C. Research and Intelligence Unit)
(3) British Births Survey (British Births Child Study, St. Mary's Hospital
Medical School)
(4) Survey of Childhood Cancers (Juvenile Cancer Registry)
(5) Mother and Baby follow-up (Banstead Hospital Unit)
During 1971 a National Surveillance of Congenital Rubella defects was commenced.
The aim of this surveillance is to determine whether the incidence of congenital defects is
significantly diminished as a result of Rubella vaccination.
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 6-8 months of age.
(2) Any baby whose mother has a history of rubella in pregancy.
(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 work of the Audiology Clinic has increased during 1971. 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 1971 is as follows :-
| Age | New Cases | Total Consultations | Referred to E.N.T. Dept. | No. of Hearing Aids issued | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years | 1971 | 1970 | 1971 | 1970 | 1971 | 1970 | 1971 | 1970 | |
| 0-2 | 50 | 40 | 65 | 65 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2-5 | 100 | 69 | 149 | 108 | 8 | 10 | 2 | - | |
The Mothers' Clubs
These clubs are held at the Local Health Authority Clinics for any mother with young
children under 5 years of age. They are held every week or fortnight in the evening or during
the day, and if they are held during the day there is a rota for the mothers to care for the
children in another room.
The Health Visitors initially form the club, subsequently handing over the
responsibility for the actual running of the club to the mothers, but are always available
for advice and guidance. Speakers at the club are varied and topical with at least half of
the time being spent on Health Education.
The Mothers' Clubs are very entertaining and the young mothers make friends outside
the home and enjoy social activities coupled with stimulating educational activities which is
a morale booster to young mothers and those moving into the area.
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