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136
The increasing usefulness of the Foot Clinics necessitated a
change in 1938 to an 'appointment' system in order to avoid long
waiting periods by patients. The Public Health Committee also
agreed to adopt a 'Home Helps' Service to be run in conjunction
with the new Midwives Act introduced at this time. During 1938
the Tumour Diagnostic Clinic was discontinued and replaced by a
Women's Special Clinic which, unfortunately, had a very short
existence as it was closed down at the outbreak of war.
Under the Factories Act, 1937, a survey of Basement Bakehouses
was made and Suitability Certificates were issued in appropriate
instances.
The Public Health Department moved into the New Town Hall
in June, 1939, just prior to the outbreak of the War, the latter
event resulting in the closure of the Council's Maternity Home. In
addition, the new Disinfestation scheme and the proposed establishment
of a Central Dental Clinic, both planned in 1938, were held
in abeyance. A scheme for the supervision of Rheumatic Children
was also set aside.
Civil Defence organisation was set in motion by the 1938 "crisis "
and by the outbreak of war in September, 1939, the staff of the
Public Health Department had supervised the formation of the
Light Rescue Parties and had formed the nucleus of the First Aid
Posts established at various Hospitals and Welfare Centres throughout
the Borough. Younger members of the staff were conscripted
into the Services and the employment of temporary clerical
assistance became necessary.
War-time conditions compelled the introduction of a further
Rent Restrictions Act to safeguard the interests of the community
and this Act, which was made effective from April, 1939, extended
the life of the principal Rents Acts until an end to the National
emergency had been declared.
Normal life of the Borough was inevitably upset by bomb
damage which first occurred in September, 1940, and continued with
very little respite until the cessation of hostilities, but disruption of
the health services was kept to a minimum. Owing to extensive
war-damage additional work was required of the Sanitary Inspectors
in connection with the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Acts and
the Food Inspectors were untiring in their efforts to save as much
food material as possible from wrecked food premises.
Insanitary conditions brought about by the constant use of
air-raid shelters, resulted in the introduction of the Scabies Order,
1941, making this complaint a notifiable disease.