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and in cases of illness in the family. During war time conditions
many families found themselves in great difficulties in finding any
sort of help, and unfortunately the department was unable to be
of much assistance.
The Ministry of Health have now empowered Local Authorities to
engage the necessary Domestic Helps.
The following are examples of the type of case which will be
considered as coming within the provisions of the scheme:—
(a) Where the house-wife falls sick or must have an operation.
(b) Where the wife is suddenly called away to see hei'husband
in hospital and arrangements have to be made to look
after the children.
(c) Elderly people who are infirm, or, one of whom suddenly
falls ill.
(d) Where several members of the family are ill at the same
time, e.g. during influenza epidemic.
It is suggested that the workers employed should be on a
whole time or part time basis. As in the case of the Home Help
Scheme, the whole or part of the cost, according to family circumstances,
will be borne by the applicant.
It must be confessed that the chief difficulty in operating the
scheme is a lack of suitable applicants who are willing to undertake
work of this nature.
War-time Nurseries.—The three war-time nurseries continued
to function throughout the year. It was inevitable that
sometimes the average attendances fell below normal, solely due
to the prevalence of infectious diseases and other forms of illness,
and the question of closing the nursery at Pound Park, Charlton—
which was only opened in May, 1944—was at one time contemplated
by the Ministry of Health. It was felt that such a decision would
cause great inconvenience and hardship to women engaged on war
work, and strong representations were made to the Ministry to
alter this decision, with the result that the former objections were
waived and the Nursery was allowed to continue its useful work.
Diabetes—Insulin Treatment.—During the year 10 cases
were provided with Insulin under the special arrangements for
assisting necessitious patients suffering from Diabetes at a cost bf
£38 14s. 6d.