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 1929
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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6. In all the cases treated the percentage of Haemaglobin has
risen, and the weight has increased in varying degrees.
Blind Persons' Act.
During the year one man and three women were examined
and reported on as being suitable for training under the above Act.
Pathological Work.
The microscopical examination of sputum for the presence of
the tubercle bacillus is undertaken by the Tuberculosis Officer.
Throat swabs are taken by the School Medical Staff as required,
and sent to the Superintendent of the Plaistow Fever Hospital
for cultivation and report.
The microscopic diagnosis of ringworm of the head is undertaken
by the School Medical staff in the Laboratory provided for
that purpose. During the year under consideration 28 hair specimens
were examined, and 22 found to be positive.
Cheap Tram Fares.
I am indebted to Mr. Slattery (Tramways Manager) for the following Table which shows the number of children carried at halfpenny fares in all West Ham and London County Council No. 8 Service cars during school holidays in 1928 and 1929, and the advantage taken by the children of the facilities granted.
| 1929. | 1928. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Period | No. of days in operation | Number carried | No. of days in operation | Number carried |
| Easter | 10 | 150,847 | 10 | 146,753 |
| Whitsun | 8 | 130,863 | 8 | 126,592 |
| Summer | 31 | 404,545 | 32 | 396,429 |
| Christmas | 15 | 202,776 | 15 | 192,150 |
| Totals | 64 | 889,031 | 65 | 861,924 |
| Av. per day | - | 13,891 | - | 13,260 |
CONCLUSION.
The teachers in the Infants' Departments have been relieved
of the duty of making out the cards on admission of a pupil, and
these dossiers, as well as those of children up to 8 years, are now
kept in my office instead of at the school as formerly. In course of
time this will result in the medical dossiers of every school child
being filed in my Department. Any Head Teacher can, of course,
obtain any information concerning the child's medical history and
condition upon application.
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