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From that date, the mothercraft unit and training college ceased to
operate while the remaining services continued as before.
In Bramerton Street, S.W.3., there is a school treatment centre and
dental clinic and also office accommodation for the organising staff
of the Council's home help service. These premises consist of two small
houses adapted for these purposes and were not really suitable. Also
in the area was the Chelsea School of Chiropody, an educational establishment
for the training of chiropodists to professional qualification level
which provided a chiropody service for a considerable number of local
residents, many of whom would have been eligible for treatment at a
Council clinic had there been one in the area; the Education Authority
had imminent plans for the removal of this School to premises in another
part of London.
The future use of the building was accordingly decided in that the
following services would be provided on the premises:-
(i) maternity and child welfare services in continuation
of the existing services;
(ii) day nursery in continuation of the existing service
but reorganised to operate on one floor only
instead of two as before;
(iii) a chiropody clinic with two chairs;
(iv) school treatment centre and dental clinic, the latter
to have two surgeries, one with provision for
advanced orthodontic treatments. The maternity
and child welfare dental service would continue as
before, but using one of the new surgeries;
(v) home help service organiser's office.
The last two of these would be in substitution for the services
provided at the Bramerton Street premises.
Agreement in principle having been made with the Inner London
Education Authority, appropriate action has continued throughout the
year in the preparation of detailed works of adaptation and the necessary
legal formalities.
NURSING HOMES.
During 1968, there were no new registrations of nursing homes, but in
one home, an additional room was provided to accommodate one patient and,
as this was found to be satisfactory and suitable for the purpose, the
registration was amended accordingly.
There was one cancellation of registration. That part of the Violet
Melchett Infant Welfare Centre which formed the mothercraft unit ceased
to operate from 1st January, 1968, when the entire premises were taken
over by the Council. It had been registered as a nursing home and it was
necessary to cancel this registration.
In April, 1968, the Abortion Act, 1967, came into operation but no
home in the borough has been approved by the Minister under Section 1(3)
of the Act for treatment for the termination of pregnancy.
Unannounced visits of inspection were made throughout the year and
all homes were seen at least once during the twelve months. Thirteen
visits were made jointly by a principal medical officer and the principal