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
Beddington and Wallington 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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Orthopsedic. Patients attending infant welfare centres who require
treatment for orthopaedic defects are referred by the Clinic Medical
Officer to orthopaedic surgeons at St. Helier or other hospitals. During
1956, 4 cases were referred for treatment.
Physiotherapy. This department continues to do very useful work,
and a high standard of attendance was maintained throughout the year.
In addition to ultra-violet light and infra-red irradiation, massage,
manipulation and corrective treatments are given. Classes for remedial
exercises for children suffering from minor orthopaedic and postural
defects were conducted during the year. The Physiotherapist was also
able to arrange classes for pregnant mothers desiring a course of
relaxation exercises.
The following table gives details of attendances:
| Total attendances | ||
|---|---|---|
| Irradiations | Corrective treatments | |
| Children, 0-5 years | 1,713 | 632 |
| Children, 5-15 years | 1,744 | 3,048 |
| Expectant and Nursing Mothers | 35 | 296 |
| 3,492 | 3,976 | |
Health Visiting. Four health visitors are employed by the Surrey
County Council for the supervision of infants up to 5 years of age and
expectant and nursing mothers, both at home and at the infant welfare
and ante-natal clinics. These health visitors are also responsible for the
supervision of children attending schools in the Borough.
Visits during the year were made as follows:
| First visits | Total visits | |
|---|---|---|
| Expectant Mothers | 175 | 293 |
| Children, 0-1 year | 385 | 1,981 |
| Children, 1-5 years | 11 | 3,287 |
| Other Cases | — | 55 |
| Ineffectual | — | 970 |
| 571 | 6,586 |
Child Life Protection. This function is now governed by the Children
Act, 1948, which came into operation on the 5th July, 1948. A Children's
Officer is appointed by the Surrey County Council to supervise all children
coming within the provisions of the Act. The health visitors, however,
visit on behalf of the Children's Officer deprived children under 5 years
of age and certain other children in registered residential establishments.
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