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The figures appearing in this summary relating to cost of equipment, etc.,
are submitted only to serve as a guide to the Council in arriving at the approximate
cost of the Scheme as a whole when building costs become available. The
staff appointments are charges which will arise in connection with the general
running expenses of the Centre.
It will be appreciated that additional clerical help will be required in respect
of the administration of these services, and as far as I am able to foresee the
position at the moment, the discharge of these duties should be entrusted to a
senior clerk assisted by a junior clerk either male or female.
The appointment of a suitable person as a Hall Porter is essential, and the
Council may desire to consider whether the duties should include those of a resident
caretaker.
I suggest that the disposition of the services in the building should be as
follows :—
Sub-ground floor Exhibition room ; tuberculosis handicraft room ; and heating
plant.
Ground floor Infant Welfare Centre and ancillary clinics; Tuberculosis
Dispensary including X-ray Department and Artificial
Pneumothorax treatment room.
First floor Electro-medical department and foot clinic.
Second floor Dental clinic and general office accommodation for Health
Visitors, Food Inspectors, and Clerical Staff.
Third floor ? Caretaker's apartments.
It will be noted that I have not referred to the lay-out of the building ;
I shall, however, be very interested in the planning and the dimension of the
particular rooms at the appropriate time. In this connection the Public Health
Committee at their meeting held on November 25th, 1937, directed that the
Officers of the Council be instructed to report on the question as to whether
adaptations should be incorporated in any new buildings proposed to be erected
in order to provide for precautions against Air Raid risks.
Even at this stage of the scheme, I feel that the Council should know that
I am anxious that the architect should keep uppermost in his mind when planning
the building, the importance of providing as much natural lighting and ventilation
as can be obtained in every room in the Health Centre.
In conclusion, may I state that whatever the Council decide as to the
nature of the clinic services to be provided in this Centre, I am of opinion that the
building should be so designed as to enable it to be extended at any time for
the further development of the health services.
I would also advise that the adopted proposals be submitted to the Ministry
of Health and the London County Council for their observations before any
effective steps are taken to proceed with this scheme.
Your obedient Servant,
H. W. BARNES, Medical Officer of Health.