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

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West Ham 1951

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

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SPECIALIST CLINICS. The clinics available through the School Health Service and the
number of pre-school children referred to these specialist clinics are as follows:-
Ophthalmic 176
Ear, Nose & Throat 132
Paediatric 155
Child Guidance 23
Speech Therapy 19,
RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH NEIGHBOURING BOROUGHS. By agreement with the neighbouring
Local Authorities mothers and children are able to attend the clinics most conveniently
situated to their homes. During the year 30 children and 2 expectant mothers resident in
neighbouring areas attended West Ham Clinics. It is also known that 4 children and 1 expectant
mother resident in West Ham attended clinics in other areas.
CARE OF THE UNMARRIED MOTHER AND HER BABY. Whenever possible unmarried mothers are
encouraged to use the facilities provided for all mothers and babies. Some unmarried mothers
who have special needs are referred to the Moral Welfare Worker employed by the Chelmsford
Diocesan Moral Welfare Association. This Welfare Worker is resident in the Borough at St.
Agatha's Hostel, 73, Carnarvon Road, and works in close co-operation with the appropriate
officers in the Health Department.
During the year 13 West Ham mothers, who were in need of care and accommodation for
varying periods, were admitted to this hostel. Of these, 8 were admitted before and 5 after
the birth of the baby. Two West Ham unmarried mothers were admitted to hostels outside the
area.
The Council contributes the sum necessary to cover the charge for maintenance In the
hostel (usually 35/-) whenever the mother is not able to maintain herself, or the whole sum
is not available from other sources.
The grant to the St.Agatha's Hostel from the Sunday Entertainments Fund was increased
to £150 this year.

PREMATURE INFANTS PIACE OF BIRTH AND DEATHS UNDER 1 MONTH.

Number of InfantsNumber died Number died within 24 within 28 hours daysNumber Survived 28 days
Born and Nursed at home23-23
in hospital14 57 22116
Born at home and transferred to hospital816
TOTALS:1768 23145

Out of a total of 74 deaths of West Ham infants under 1 year which occurred during
the year, 31 occurred In premature infants who died within the first month of life (as
shown in the above table).
30