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too far away from the other Centres. The new Centre has
become very popular and it has been necessary for the Council
to appoint an extra Health Visitor to deal with the increased work.
The ante-natal side of the Maternity and Child Welfare scheme
has received a greater stimulus by the erection of the new outpatient
wing at the Borough Maternity Hospital which was opened
early in the Spring of the year. It is now possible to cope with
the pressure of the work and to increase its efficiency.
The only regrettable feature of the year's report has been the
temporary closure of the Borough Maternity Hospital owing to an
outbreak of mild sepsis amongst the patients. It is satisfactory
however, to be able to state that the steps taken to deal with the
outbreak were rapidly successful and that only a comparatively
brief interruption in the useful work carried out at the Hospital
resulted. A report of this unfortunate occurrence will be found
on pages 45 to 48.
The housing activity of the Council continued during the year
and the purchase of St. John's College and grounds was completed
and the plans and lay-out of this estate were being rapidly proceeded
with by the end of the year. It is proposed to erect a considerable
number of working-class dwellings on the site, and it
is to be hoped that some at least of these will be reserved for the
re-housing of dispossessed tenants in conection with the clearance
and improvement areas which, under the provisions of the new
Housing Act, it is the intention of the Council to proceed with as
soon as circumstances permit.
I have pleasure in recording my appreciation of the support
and assistance accorded me by the Mayor, Chairmen of the various
Committees and Members of the Council. I have also to acknowledge,
as in past years, the valuable help which I have received
from my colleagues, the Chief Officers of the Council, and to the
staff of the Public Health Department, my thanks are also due for
their efficient and loyal services.
(Signed) G. QUIN LENNANE,
Medical Officer of Health.
Electric House.
Lavender Hill, S.W. 11.
October, 1931.