View report page

219
Tuberculosis Dispensary became necessary when, in order to
obviate duplication of records, the Notification Register was
transferred from the Public Health Department. The Tuberculosis
Handicraft Centre Committee was formed during this
period and immediately effected affiliation to the National
Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis.
In the 1937 Annual Report, attention was drawn to the
increase in atmospheric pollution, the Astronomer Royal having
indicated that in Greenwich this pollution was some 25% greater
than that of the previous year.
As a result of the substantiation by a special survey of the
Astronomer Royal's comments for 1937 concerning atmospheric
pollution, the Council had under consideration in 1938 the
question of instituting proceedings against the owners of the
Generating Station at East Greenwich. This action was eventually
settled on the understanding that existing plant would be
exchanged for more efficient apparatus during the next few years.
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 conjuction 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.
A new Food and Drugs Act made its appearance during
1938. which, curiously, amended previous legislation dating
back to Henry VlII's time.
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