London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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West Ham 1934

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]

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At the March examination there were several children out of
school with measles and a number with bronchitis. The condition
of the children in school was quite good.
In June the condition of the children was very good. The
number examined (116) was only one short of the record,-while
the percentage defective was the lowest recorded.
In September the condition of the children was very good.
There were no cases of infectious disease. The absent children
were either with their parents who were hop-picking or were away
in convalescent homes.
At the December examination the School was particularlyfree
from infectious disease, there being only two cases, one of
diphtheria and one of scarlet fever. Nose, throat and chest
diseases were, however, prevalent, and accounted for almost twothirds
of the total defects.
During the course of the year forty-two children were given
Cod-Liver Oil at the School. These children were suffering from
subnormal nutrition, debility and bronchitis.
There is complete co-ordination between the Headmistress,
Miss J. E. Cass, and the Rosetta Road School Clinic Staff."
Miss Marsden, the Dental Surgeon, reports
"The School was inspected three times during the year and
treatment given to all the children. The improvement in these
children of 2—4 years is very great, and is one of the most encouraging
signs I have come across. It seems to point to the fact
that the parents are really taking a far greater interest in the
condition of their children's teeth.
In this School—as in others—one of the chief factors conducive
to this is the interest taken in the work by the teachers.
In the Nursery School Miss Cass, the Headmistress, is always
most helpful and encouraging, and I should like to take this opportunity
of thanking her."
I also have to thank Miss Cass for the following particulars
relating to this School:—
"Between 8.30 and 9.80 pram-loads of children, boys and girls,
twins and even triplets, arc deposited by thankful mothers at the
doors of The Edith Kerrison Nursery School.
Washing one's self is the first order of the day, and then gaily
attired in flowered overalls everyone drinks milk and crunches
rusks.
Play in the garden and a great deal of business with bricks
and puzzles, dolls and many other things develops an enormous
appetite, with great clamourings for second helps. Then a short
sojourn in the bathroom and the removal of the remains of dinner
from hands and faces, and everyone sleeps the sleep of the just.
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