Maternity and Child Welfare Group

P U B L I C H E A L T H , September, 1942 and the Ministry was anxious that medical officers of health should make a point of peruging any copy available. The Committee recommended : - 18. That medical officers of health should be urged to give every possible assistance in securing publicity for the campaign in support of diphtheria immunisation on the lines indicated in the brochure recently issued by the Ministry of Health. Having approved replies to various inquiries addressed to the Society the Committee adjourned.

BRANCH NEWS YORKSHIRE BRANCH President: Dr. J. Galloway (M.O.H., Dewsbury C.B.). Hen. Secretary: Dr. R. Sutherland (M.O.H., Brighouse M.B.). A meeting of the branch was held at Bradford on May 1st. The President was in the chair and was supported by eleven members. The minutes of the last meeting were read, approved and signed by the President. The Medical Planning Committee was instructed to consider the by-laws of the branch and to submit any recommendations it wished to make for their amendment in the near future. It was resolved that this was not the time for the medical profession to apply for increases in remuneration, but that the war bonuses payable to other public officials should be payable to the personnel of the public health services. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Secretary of the Society accordingly. This meeting was followed by a joint meeting of the branch with the Royal Sanitary Institute. After a cordial welcome had been given by the Lord Mayor, Dr. F. T. H. Wood, who was in the chair, introduced Dr. John M. Gibson, M.O.H., Huddersfield, who gave an address on " Regionalisation of Hospitals," which was to be published in the July issue of the ffournal of the Royal Sanitary Institute. He was followed by Sir George Martin, Chairman of the Health Committee of the City of Leeds, and by Dr. Rennie, Senior Physician to the Bradford Royal Infirmary. A meeting of the branch was held in Leeds on May 29th. The President was in the chair and was supported by 30 members. The minutes of the last meeting were taken as read, approved and signed by the President. The officers of the branch, members of the Branch Council, and the representatives of the branch on the B.M.A. Branch Council, were then elected by ballot as follows: President, R. W a t s o n ; Vice-Presidents, J. F. Galloway and N. Gebbie; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, R. Sutherland. Members of Branch Council : E. C. Benn, J. J: Buchan, W. J. Frain, J. A. Fraser,-E. D. Irvine, J. J. Jervis, D. D. Payne, G. H. Pearce, G. C. F. Roe. Representatives on B . M . A . Branch Council: J. F. Galloway, J. J. Jervis, T. N. V. Potts, R. Sutherland. Dr. H. Edelston, Medical Psychologist to the City of Bradford, then gave an address on " Some Social Implications of Modern Medical Psychology." Opening the discussion, the President asked. if an M.O.H. was justified, after only one hour's interview, in expressing an opinion in court upon a child delinquent which might affect his whole future. Dr. Roe considered heredity more important than environment in causing emotional problems and stressed the modern danger of standardised personalities. Dr. Gibson said he believed that the heredity element was more important than environment in determining character. Mr. Emmerson, Director of Education of Dewsbury, thought it important that magistrates should be educated in the value of the psychological treatment of child delinquents. In reply, Dr. Edelston said that cases referred by courts for a doctor's opinion were antagonistic and lying ; he thought, therefore, that a doctor should refuse to give an opinion until he had had an opportunity of seeing the child and the parents on several occasions and of gaining their confidence and their co-operation. Little was known about heredity on the psychologicalside. One inherited a constitution upon which one's character would develop. Nevertheless, environment would determine to a large extent whether a child was to develop a problem or not. A medical psychologist could not alter heredity, but he could attempt at least to alter environment so as to make the best of heredity. For a town of 100,000 people he would recommend the appointment of a psychiatric social worker who in six months would ferret out the cases requiring treatment and would thus enable the Authority to measure the need for psychiatric treatment. Once established, child guidance would lead to adult guidance. Child guidance should be started in the home by the mother immediately after birth of the child. One should be very chary about interfering in the child's home and with the mother's natural loving actions.

207 Mr. Barraclough, Secretary of Education of the North Riding County Council and President of the Yorkshire Branch of the Association of Directors and Secretaries for Education, pointed out that the elementary child had only £13 per annum spent on its education and only about 9s. 6d. on its medical care. He thought that these figures could be increased. The Council decided to request the Council of the Society to consider the question of the future of the school medical service and the relationship of the M.O.H. and Director of Education. HOME COUNTIES BRANCH President: Dr. D. H. Geffen (M.O.H., Enfield U.D.). Hon. Secretary: Dr. C. E. E. Herington (M.O.H., Dagenham U.D.). A 'meeting of the branch was held at Tavistock Home, Tavistock Square, on June 5th. An invitation had been extended to the President and members of the Metropolitan Branch, and some 23 members were present. An interesting paper was read b y Mr. L. Logue, M.V.O., Hon. Treasurer of the British Society of Speech Therapists. Classifying the various types of speech defect, he said that certain of the categories could be considered incurable whereas others were readily cured, especially if treated at the age at which such treatment was most effective. He stressed the danger of the gap which often existed between leaving school and early manhood. During this period many opportunities for treatment were lost, and the ground could only be made up with difficulty. Dr. Boon, Speech Therapist to the L.C.C., discussed the subject with Mr. Logue, and expressed his appreciation of the lecture. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Adamson and seconded by Dr. Clark Trotter, who expressed the thanks of the Metropolitan Branch for the invitation extended to them. A meeting of the Branch was held on July 10th, there being present the President and 13 members. The minutes of the meeting held on June 5th were c o n f r m e d and signed. Dr. J. Ferguson, County M.O.H., Surrey, was elected President of the Branch for the session 1942-43, all other officers remairfing as before. A member of the Branch raised the question of the remuneration of part-time medical officers of health holding more than one appointment. The member concerned gave details of the conditions governing the two appointments held by himself. The question was discussed at length, but at the request of the member concerned action was deferred pending his further negotiations with the local authorities in question. MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE GROUP President: Dr. Virginia Saunders-Jacobs. Hen. Secretary: Dr. Katherine M. Hirst. Hen. Assistant Secretary : Dr. Violet Russell. A meeting of the Group was helcl in conjunction with the Children's Section of the R.S.M. on May 22rid. Dr. A. G. Maitland-Jones, O.B.E., President of the Children's Section, occupied the chair, with the President of the Group on his right. An audience of about 60 included 25 members and visitors of the Group. Dr. Alan Moncrieff opened the discussion on the prevention of chronic lung diseases in young children (tuberculosis and allergic asthma being purposely excluded). He stressed the importance of environment in avoiding chronic droplet infections and drew attention to sepsis of the nasal sinuses as a potent factor in the causation of chronic lung disease. The reason for the association of rickets and bronchitis was not yet clear, but the association undoubtedly existed. In young children measles and pertussis were likely to leave a sequel of chronic lung disease, and it was desirable to take all possible steps by the use of serum and vaccine to postpone these infections till later childhood. He stressed the importance of convalescent treatment after both these illnesses. A collapsed lung should receive early treatment, and its early diagnosis was a matter of urgency. Dr. Nora Wattle reported that the position in Glasgow with regard to chronic lung disease in children was better now than it was 20 years ago ; she attributed this to an improvement in nutrition. Unfortunately children who did well in hospital often relapsed when they returned home. Dr. Constance Field spoke on the preventive treatment of bronohiectasis and showed photographs and skiagrams to illustrate the origin of the condition. With Dr. Moncrieff, she doubted the wisdom of giving belladonna in pneumonia, as this caused a sticky sputum which tended to block the bronchioles. Collapse of the lung should be treated by immediate bronchoscopic suction. Dr. Saunders-Jacobs emphasised the care necessary to exclude tuberculosis in the young child. She would like to see a more extended use of radiography,and patch tests in school entrants. She agreed with previous speake-o ~hnut the need for convalescent

208 treatment after measles and whooping-cough and the desirability of keeping these children under careful observation. Artificial sunlight, when given under expert advice, could be helpful. T h r o a t and ear clinics, with their associated breathing exercises, were useful adjuncts to the health services. In the ensuing discussion it was agreed that bronchoscopy should be more frequently employed and that sulphapyridine should not be used indiscriminately. T h e r e w a s a division of opinion as to the value of ultra-violetlight,but a unanimity on the value of whoopingcough vaccine. Following the National Conference on Maternity and Child Welfare, a clinical week-end was held at Great O r m o n d Street Children's Hospital on July 4th and 5th. Dr. Donald Paterson and Dr. Wyllie both commended the growing liaison between hospital paediatricians and medical officers engaged in child welfare. On July 4th Dr. Donald Paterson lectured on premature babies and feeding difficulties. Mr. Denis Browne then spoke on orthopaedics, with special reference to minor degrees of deformity. Dr. Wilfrid Sheldon opened the afternoon session by speaking on some disorders in infancy, laying stress on the conditions found by medical officers in their work at the welfare centre sessions. Dr. Wyllie lectured on the work of an asthma clinic. T h i s was followed by a demonstration of skin tests, skiagrams, and breathing exercises by Dr. Gimson. On July 5th Mr. Apperly spoke on the care of the teeth and orthodontic treatment in children, showing lantern slides in illustration. Dr. Frew described the history of the hospital, and conducted a tour through the new building. T h e effect of the cubicle construction and barrier nursing in reducing the incidence of infection is worthy of note. This, the third week-end refresher course arranged during the session 1941-42, was attended by about 80 doctors. WEST OF ENGLAND BRANCH President: Dr. P. I-I. Stirk (formerly M.O.H., Exeter C.B.). Hon. Secretary : Dr. I. G. Davies (Deputy M.O.H., Bristol C.B.). A meeting of the Branch was held at Bristol on July 10th. Eight members were present. In the absence o f the President and VicePresident, Dr. R. H. Parry took the chair. T h e minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. It was proposed and seconded that Dr. Brewer be recommended as a life m e m b e r of the Society. T h e I-Ion. Secretary read his report on the work of the Medical Planning Committee, of which he was the Branch representative ; a letter from Dr. Lishman dealing with medical planning was also read. T h e following officers were elected for the coming session, 1942-43 : President: Dr. J. B. Lowe, Deputy County M.O.H., Wiltshire. Vice-President : Dr. W. J. Doyle, Assistant M.O.H., Devon County Council. Hon. Secretary and Council Representative: Dr. L G. Davies, Deputy M.O.H., Bristol. lion. Treasurer : Dr. J. F. Blackett, M.O.H., Bath. Dr. Greta Hartley, Assistant M.O.H., Bristol, then read a paper on nurseries. An interesting discussion took place. NORTH-WESTERN BRANCH President: Dr. A. G. Glass (M.O.FI., Farnworth U.D.). Hon. Secretary : Dr. W. E. Spenee (M.O.H., Eccles). T h e annual meeting was held at Preston on June 19th, when the President occupied the chair and 67 members and friends were present. T h e Society was welcomed by Lieut.-Col. Roddy. T h e minutes of the last annual meeting were confirmed. It was agreed that the Council be recommended to appoint Dr. Veitch Clark an honorary life m e m b e r of the Society. T h e President then presented a framed portrait to Dr. F. T. H. Wood, O.B.E., a Past-President of the Society. Dr. Wood thanked the Branch for the portrait, which was handed back to the President to be formally presented to the Society. • T h e balance sheet and statement of accounts and the I-Ion. Secretary's report were presented by the Hon. Treasurer and adopted. Dr. Spence was elected President of the Branch for the ensuing year, and the following officers were also elected : Vice-President : Dr. A. G. Glass. Hon. Treasurer: Dr. F. T . H. Wood, o.a.E. Hon. Secretary : Dr. W. C. V. Brothwood. Council Representatives : T h e President, Dr. F. A. Sharpe, and the Hon. Secretary. T h e Committee was re-elected. NORTHERN BRANCH President: Dr. G. Hurrell (T.O., Newcastle-upon-Tyne). Hon. Secretary: Dr. J. A. Charles (M.O.H., Newcastle-uponTyne). A meeting of the Branch was held in Newcastle on June 20th. T h e President and 15 members were present. Dr. James Grant gave a brief statement of the proceedings of two Medical Planning Committees which he had attended in London. After the meeting of the first Medical Planning Committee, the Council of the Northern Branch had met and prepared a short

P U B L I C H E A L T H , September, 1942 m e m o r a n d u m which was forwarded to the Central Officer for distribution to members of the Medical Planning Committee for discussion at the meeting held on June 5th. Surgeon-Commander George A. Mason, R.N.V.R., Regional Adviser in Thoracic Surgery, delivered an address on the scope of thoracic surgery and its relationship to public health. SOUTHERN BRANCH

President: Lieut.-Col. T. G. Cheyne, O.B.E., M.C. (Assistant Director of Hygiene, Southern Command). Hon. Secretary : Dr. H. C. Maurice Williams (M.O.H., Southampton C.B. and Port). A meeting of the Branch was held at Netley, FIants, on July 10th. Five members and six visitors were present. T h e Secretary read a letter he had received from the President stating that, haying been transferred from the Southern Region, he could no longer continue the office of President of the Southern Branch. T h e Secretary was instructed to thank Colonel Cheyne for his valuable service to. the Branch during his term of office. Dr. I. McLachlan was in the chair. T h e minutes of the meeting held on April 17th, 1942, having been circulated, were, after correction, approved and signed b y the President. T h e officers elected for the ensuing year are :--President: Dr. T. E. Roberts. Hon. Secretary: Dr. FI. C. Maurice Williams, O.E.E. Hon. Treasurer: Dr. it. L. Cronk; Representative on the Council: Dr. H. C. Maurice Williams, O.E.E. Executive Representatives on Tuberculosis Group : Dr. W. Templeton and Dr. Capes. Executive Committee of the Branch : Dr. A. B. Williamson, Major G. Chesney, Dr. W. J. Hart. Representative on the School Medical Group Committee : Dr." T. E. Roberts. Representative on the Central Medical Planning Committee : Dr. H. C. Maurice Williams, O.B.E. Dr. I. McLachlan submitted particulars of two interesting cases of pneumococcal meningitis, from which types 14 and 18 were cultured from the cerebro-spinal fluid. Both cases made a complete recovery. Dr. R. M. Warren, Clinical Venereal Diseases Officer and Pathologist, Southampton, gave an address embodying suggestions for improving existing venereal diseases scheme.

RECENT APPOINTMENTS IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE T h e following are some recent appointments in the health departments of various local authorities : BARKING M.B. : Deputy M.O., Dr. Harold Franks. HmH WYCOMaE M.B. : T e m p . M.O.H., Dr. Julia Marcella BrowneKutschbach. NORTI-IUMBERLAND C.C. : C.M.O.H., Dr. J. Boston Tilley (Deputy M.O.H., Northumberland). POOLE M.B. : M.O.H., Dr. George Chesney (Deputy M.O.H., Poole). WAawICK C.C. : M. & C.W. Officer for the County, Dr. Agnes Young. i

OBITUARY J. A. LOUGHRIDGE, M.B., CH.B. We announce with regret the recent death, at the age of 63, of Dr. J. A. Loughridge, a Fellow of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. James Anderson Loughridge, a native of Northern Ireland, was educated at Belfast and qualified M.B., Ch.B., at Edinburgh in 1905, in which year he also received the Certificate of Tropical Diseases. For 30 years he has been M.O.H. for Amble U.D.C. Hie has also been Police Surgeon, Medical Officer of the Post Office, Medical Officer of the Port Sanitary Authority of Warkworth Harbour, Surgeon to the Trinity Lighthouse Keepers, and Medical Officer to the Board of Education. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Public Health and I-Iygiene. During the war 1914-18 he served in the R.A.M.C. with the rank of Captain, and was taken prisoner.

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