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 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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The ladies of the W.V.S. continued to organize the sales and distribution
of the Welfare Foods, previously administered by the Ministry
of National Insurance.
Infant Welfare Services. Infant Welfare clinics and general supervisory
control through health visiting were continued by the Surrey
County Council during the year. In general, a high standard of visiting
and a smooth and efficient service were maintained.
No changes were made during the year in the operation of the four infant welfare centres, and the number of attendances recorded was comparable with those of previous years.
| Number attending | Total attendances | |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 1 year | 349 | 5,101 |
| Children, 1-5 years | 836 | 3,046 |
| Total attendances .. | 1,185 | 8,147 |
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.
During the year under review, difficulty was experienced in maintaining
the establishment of four health visitors. Following the resignation of
one health visitor, to take up a senior appointment, no candidates came
forward for a period of four months in response to repeated advertisements.
In addition, one health visitor had a long period of sickness.
Visits during the year were made as follows:
| First visits | Total visits | |
|---|---|---|
| Expectant Mothers | 217 | 399 |
| Children, 0-1 year | 452 | 1,913 |
| Children, 1-5 years | — | 2,946 |
| Other Cases | — | 28 |
| Ineffectual | — | 628 |
| 669 | 5,914 |
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.
Care of Premature Infants. The arrangements made for the care of
premature infants continued during 1959. Equipment is kept at the
District Nurses' Home, the headquarters of the local Midwives, where
it is ready for immediate use when required. Twenty-five premature live
births were notified during the year, 23 of which occurred in hospital.
Two of the infants died within 24 hours of birth. One infant died before
the 28th day. The remaining 22 children survived.
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