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 1961
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham]
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49
Midwives Ante-natal Clinics
The following table shows the attendances made during the year: -
| Midwives' Clinics | Number of sessions held | Total number of attendances | Average attendances per session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgoyne Road | 23 | 158 | 6.9 |
| Church Road | 23 | 85 | 3.7 |
| Fortis Green | 21 | 120 | 5.7 |
| Hornsey Town Hall | 19 | 252 | 13.3 |
| Mildura Court | 22 | 168 | 7.6 |
| Stroud Green | 25 | 336 | 13.4 |
| Chestnuts | 45 | 675 | 15.0 |
| Park Lane | 96 | 479 | 5.0 |
| Lordship Lane | 48 | 181 | 3.8 |
| Total | 322 | 2454 | 7.6 |
Mothercraft and Relaxation Classes
The following table shows the attendances at Mothercraft Clinics during the years:-
| Clinics | Number of sessions held | Number of new cases | Total number of attendances | Average attendance per session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgoyne Road | 32 | 31 | 139 | 4.3 |
| Church Road | 47 | 60 | 255 | 5.4 |
| Portis Green | 49 | 66 | 392 | 8.0 |
| Hornsey Town Hall | 38 | 150 | 535 | 14.1 |
| Mildura Court | 44 | 42 | 184 | 4.2 |
| The Chestnuts | 49 | 84 | 482 | 9.8 |
| Lordship Lane | 51 | 61 | 369 | 7.2 |
| Park Lane | 52 | 64 | 307 | 5.9 |
| Total | 362 | 558 | 2663 | 7.4 |
Infant Welfare Clinics
There is no sign of a diminishing need for the instruction and guidance offered
to mothers at infant welfare sessions. There are more young women not long out of
school with babies of their own and a greater proportion who do not receive help from
their mothers or mothers-in-law. Also there is a noticeable increase in the number
of immigrant mothers. The West Indian patients may not understand English ways when
they first come but on the whole they are eager to learn and attend the clinics loyally
when they are invited. They usually take the advice given and make competent and
happy mothers. Their main disadvantage is that as many are single, or have high rents
to pay they go back to work as soon as possible and leave the baby with a neighbour or
relative.