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
Heston and Isleworth 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]
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nursery, provided by Middlesex County Council. The number of children admitted under this scheme
during 1947 was 9 and, according to their circumstances, a proportion of the cost was charged to the
parents.
Patients were referred from the ante-natal and infant welfare clinics and the work done during 1946 and 1947 is shown below:—
| 1946 | 1947 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total attendances of mothers and children | 3,182 | 3,756 |
| Teeth extracted—Mothers | 1,291 | 822 |
| Children | 382 | 219 |
| Teeth filled—Mothers | 944 | 925 |
| Children | 95 | 252 |
| Other operations—Mothers | 670 | 793 |
| Children | 335 | 438 |
| Dentures supplied to mothers | 150 | 118 |
| General anaesthetics administered | 447 | 477 |
| X-Ray photographs taken | 82 | 91 |
The following table indicates the extent to which milk, etc., has been supplied free or at a reduced price during the years 1946 and 1947:—
| 1946 | 1947 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dried milk (lbs.) | 70 | 24 |
| National dried milk (lbs.) | 3,563 | 4,497 |
| Cod liver oil emulsion (8 ozs.) | 8 | — |
| Cod liver oil and malt (lbs.) | 2 | 4 |
| Cod liver oil with malt and iron (lbs.) | 3 | — |
| Lactagol (tins) | 8 | 5 |
| Bemax (tins) | 49 | 56 |
| Adexolin (| oz.) | — | 4 |
| Kalzana (tablets) | 170 | 50 |
| Vitamin C (tablets) | 1,500 | 500 |
| Virol (lbs.) | 1 | A |
| Ferrous Sulphate Tablets (packets) | - | 52 |
| Adexolin Capsules (packets) | - | 4 |
ine receipts irom sales at cost price were compared with £4,139 in iy4b.
There were other distribution centres in the Borough and the amounts issued in 1946 and 1947 are shown below :—
| 1946 | 1947 | |
|---|---|---|
| Orange juice (Vitamin C) (bottles) | 140,377 | 136,151 |
| Cod liver oil (Vitamin A and D) (bottles) | 18,889 | 24,619 |
| Vitamin A and D tablets (packets) | 3,033 | 6,268 |
The actual take-up in 1947 of these vitamin preparations, expressed as a percentage of the potential take-up calculated from the numbers of expectant and nursing mothers and young children, is shown below (figures supplied by the Ministry of Food):—
| Orange Juice. | Cod liver oil. | A & D Tablets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks ending 25.1.47 | 56.60 | 30.25 | 67.86 |
| 4 „ „ 26.4.47 | 55.54 | 32.43 | 56.28 |
| 4 „ „ 28.6.47 | 73.08 | 34.25 | 54.70 |
| 13 „ „ 29.11.47 | 58.15 | 41.82 | 43.73 |
Fuller use should be made of these vitamin supplements to avoid any risk of vitamin deficiency in mothers
and young children.
Nursing Homes.—All nursing homes in the Borough have to be registered and are subject to supervision
in regard to premises, staff and equipment. The demand for accommodation, especially for
maternity cases, has been heavy, and careful watch has had to be maintained to avoid overcrowding.
One nursing home closed in May, and at the end of the year the nursing home accommodation in the Borough
was 16 medical and surgical and 8 maternity beds.
Scabies Clinic.- The number of persons treated at this clinic during the year was 140 as compared
with 395 in 1946, 630 in 1945 and 992 in 1942. The reduction in the incidence of this infectious and
irritating skin disease is welcome. The recent epidemic has shown that if sufferers will seek treatment early
and all family contacts submit to prophylatic treatment the spread of the disease can be controlled.
The de-lousing of persons other than school children was undertaken by the staff of the scabies
clinic. During 1947, 7 adults were de-loused and given advice on how to keep themselves free from
infestation.
Insulin.—The Health Department continued to supply insulin, at cost price, reduced price or free,
according to circumstances, to persons suffering from diabetes who were not eligible to get such under
the provision of the National Health Insurance Act. During the year 576 vials were supplied as compared
with 514 in 1946.
Health Education.—Posters and leaflets issued by the Central Council for Health Education were
displayed and distributed at welfare centres, clinics, etc. and a special effort was made in regard to
immunisation against diphtheria. The booklet " To Mothers and Fathers " published by the National
Association of Maternity and Child Welfare Centres was issued free to mothers on the occasion of the
irst attendance of the baby at the welfare centre. The Health Department participated in the Civic
eek Exhibition in June, 1947. Medical Officers gave talks on the National Health Service and other
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