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 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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Many of these fragile babies, particularly those born to mothers admitted to hospital
because of some illness or abnormality are so undeveloped as to be barely viable. The
prevention of these extreme degrees of prematurity remains one of the most pressing problems
in the struggle against wastage of infant life.
Although the premature infants born at home are usually larger and more robust, their
nursing presents a number of practical difficulties. In order to help the mother to keep her
baby at home and yet give him adequate care, the Council has provided certain equipment which
has been available on loan since the 1st June. This equipment Includes draught-proof dots
with appropriate bedding, screens, suitable clothing for the baby's first days, and other
items designed to keep the baby warm, to protect him from infection and to give him a good
start towards normal growth and development.
DAY NURSERIES. Three Day Nurseries functioned throughout the year.
| Nursery | Number of Approved Places | Average Daily Attendance | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years | Over 2 years | Total | ||
| Litchfield Avenue | 52 | 8 | 35 | 43 |
| Plaistow Road | 52 | 16 | 22 | 38 |
| Liverpool Road | 52 | 14 | 20 | 34 |
The general incidence of infections was not high (apart from an outbreak of Measles
at Liverpool Road Nursery which affected 21 children), but at a time when Sonne Dysentery
was prevalent in the neighbourhood, outbreaks occurred at all three Nurseries. The exclusion
of children who showed symptoms of the illness or who were found to be carrying the germ,
considerably reduced the average attendance over the year. At Plaistow Road, where children
in all three age groups as well as some members of the staff were found to be infected, the
Nursery was closed from Monday 21st January to Friday 26th January inclusive. During this
time the non-infected members of the staff were occupied with the cleaning and airing of
the Nursery premises and equipmento None of the children or staff were seriously ill but
many weeks elapsed before all were free from infection and were able to return to the Nursery.
NURSERIES AND CHILD MINDERS REGULATION ACT. The Day Nursery at Cumberland Road, which
is under the auspices of the Canning Town Women's Settlement, is registered under the above
Act and continued to provide places for 15 children throughout the year.
One Child Minder was registered during the year and was authorised to receive not
more than 6 children, including those already in her own home. Since registration, however,
she has not made use of this authority.
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