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
Hackney 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]
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69
Several notifications of intention to receive children were submitted
by unsuitable persons and these persons were dissuaded from
their intention.
Two foster-children died during the year and in each case notice
was given to the Coroner as required by Section 264 of the Act. The
cause of death in each case was certified by the Coroner to be
broncho-pneumonia.
The Child Life Protection Visitor devotes a great deal of time
and care to matters having a bearing upon the welfare of infants.
For instance, she is frequently successful in finding temporary homes
for young children whose mothers are, for various reasons, such as
admission to hospital, unable for the time being to look after the
children. From time to time the Visitor's help is sought by
unmarried mothers in their difficulties and the Visitor is able to
advise and help them in many ways such as in securing homes for their infants.
The figures given below of the visits paid by the Child Life Protection Visitor during the year cannot be regarded as a full record of the very valuable work she does for the young children of Hackney.
| First Visits. | Total Visits. | |
|---|---|---|
| Infants under 1 year of age | 66 | 582 |
| Children 1 to 5 years of age | 34 | 931 |
| Children 5 to 9 years of age | 9 | 485 |
| Verification of return of child to the care of parents, etc. | 116 | 116 |
| Special visits | 486 | 486 |
| Attendances at Police Courts | — | — |
| Attendances at Juvenile Courts | — | — |
| Fruitless calls—removed, out, etc. | — | 332 |
| Ophthalmia Neonatorum | 2 | 12 |
| Totals | 713 | 2,944 |
In addition to the visits mentioned above, 39 inspections were
made by the Sanitary Inspectors for the purpose of ascertaining
particulars of the occupation and sanitary condition of the homes
of foster-mothers. Notices were served in fifteen instances.