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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The following table shows the attendances at individual nurseries during the year:-
| Name of Day Nursery | Number of approved places at end of year | Number of children on register at end of year | Total number of attendances | Total | Average daily attendances | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | 2 - 5 | Under 2 | 2 - 5 | Under 2 | 2 - 5 | |||
| Stonecroft | 15 | 43 | 18 | 46 | 3145 | 9372 | 12517 | 49.3 |
| Park Lane | 20 | 30 | 17 | 34 | 3001 | 7055 | 10056 | 39.6 |
| Plevna | 20 | 30 | 12 | 39 | 3356 | 6454 | 9810 | 38.6 |
| Totals 1961 | 55 | 103 | 47 | 119 | 9502 | 22881 | 32383 | 127.5 |
| Totals 1960 | 55 | 103 | 52 | 112 | 10890 | 21273 | 32163 | 126.1 |
| Totals 1959 | 55 | 103 | 59 | 103 | 9795 | 20168 | 29963 | 117.5 |
Distribution of Welfare Foods
The result of this policy is reflected in the following table:-
| Year | National Dried Milk (Tins) | Orange Juice (Bottles) | Cod Liver Oil (Bottles) | Vit. A & D Tabs (Packets) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 30801 | 67012 | 10038 | 9428 |
| 1960 | 32910 | 99584 | 12790 | 12213 |
| 1959 | 36350 | 98855 | 11676 | 11048 |
| 1958 | 39005 | 104980 | 12571 | 10420 |
Priority Dental Service for Mothers and Young Children
Dtntal officers devoted 7% of their time to the inspection and treatment of the
priority classes.
The number of expectant and nursing mothers inspected remained constant but the
arftount of treatment carried out has increased in all categories, and proportionately
the number of attendances.
This also applies to the children under five. The average number of conservations,
i.e. fillings and silver nitrate dressings, was three, and extractions 0.77 per child.
In some cases multiple extractions were unavoidable, and seven partial dentures were
fitted.
Every opportunity is taken to give advice on oral hygiene and diet as preventive
measures against dental diseases. Eating habits are formed early in life and can be
controlled, and there is no doubt that the excessive consumption of sugar and lack of
cire are largely responsible for the deterioration of the teeth of these young children.