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
Tottenham 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham]
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almoners and family doctors. Before a particular case is accepted by the special services health
visitor the health visitor for the district on which the family lives is consulted. Between them
they decide whether the case is urgent and needs intensive work or can be carried by the health
visitor This act of selection is important in the interest of really urgent problems and to prevent
the overloading of the special services health visitor's caseload. The close contact between the
specialist and other health visitors has been most rewarding in temporarily relieving health
visitors of certain families until intensive workhas been completed and in providing the specialist
worker with background knowledge of the case and a constant field worker to whom the family
can be returned.
Mental Health Case Conferences have been attended at the Prince ofWales's Hospital each month
Health visitors discussed a variety of cases with Dr. Sawle-Thomas, Consultant Psychiatrist
Statistics
The following table shows the number of visits paid by health visitors during the past two
years
| Number of visits paid by Health Visitors working in the Area:- | 1960 | 1959 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expectant Mothers | First Visits | 2084 | 2285 |
| Total Visits | 3436 | 3511 | |
| Children under 1 year of age | First Visits | 4837 | 4234 |
| Total Visits | 15295 | 16056 | |
| Children aged 1-2 years | Total Visits | 7090 | 8101 |
| Children aged 2-5 years | Total Visits | 11526 | 13202 |
| Other cases - Total Visits as Health Visitor | 6219 | 6246 | |
| Total Visits as School Nurse | 776 | 878 | |
HOME NURSING SERVICE
(Section 25)
The treatment of cases during the year may be classified as follows:-
Injections 911
General nursing care 476
Blanket baths 254
Enemas 143
Dressings 309
Preparation for diagnostic investigation 224
Pessaries changed 59
Wash-outs, douches, etc, 37
Attendance at minor operation 1
Other treatments 52