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
West Ham 1926
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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Findings of Medical Inspection (Chief Defects referred for treatment).—
| Condition. | Boys. | Girls. |
|---|---|---|
| Uncleanliness | - | 1 |
| Skin Disease | 1 | 1 |
| External Eye Disease | — | 1 |
| Defective Vision | 8 + 1 special | 12 |
| Ear Disease | 2 | 1 |
| Nose and Throat (Operative) | 7 | 1 |
| Other Throat Conditions | 12 | 4 |
| Teeth | 15 | 19 |
| Anæmia and Debility | 7 | 10 |
| Phthisis | 1 suspected | — |
| Deformities and Special Defects (for observation) | - | 5 |
| Other Defects | 2 | 2 |
Number of Boys referred, 43; number of Girls, 45.
In addition to the above, 27 boys and 16 girls were referred
for observation only.
Following up takes place by means of a Nurse's visits both
to the homes and to the Institution, and also by re-inspection
by the Doctor either at the Institution or the Clinic.
The Nurse made 101 home visits during the year, and 94
scholars were re-inspected by the Doctor.
Treatment.—The same facilities as obtain in the case
of Elementary Schools are available.
Defective Vision (including specials not included in above
inspection at the College).—33 sent; 27 attended; 21 obtained
glasses under Authority's scheme: 3 obtained glasses privately:
3 continued same glasses; 3 no glasses ordered.
Tonsils and Adenoids.—One operation.
Treated at the Clinic.—Ear Disease, 3; Anaemia, 1;
other defects, 1.
Physical drill is supervised by Sergeant Pritchard and the
Misses Newmarsh and Hobson. Public displays are given from
time to time, and the attendance amply testifies to the excellent
work being done in this direction.