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67
Changes in Administration at the Lambeth Municipal
Bacteriological Laboratory.
An important change was made by the Council during 1927
in connection with the administration of the Bacteriological
Laboratory. Previously (since its inauguration in 1898) the Medical
Officer of Health has been the Director, and, in addition, has
carried out personally examinations. The Council has now appointed
a properly qualified and well-trained bacteriological assistant.
Miss Frances May Speakman (appointed June 2nd, 1927, and her
duties to commence on November 1st, 1927). Miss Speakman, who
has passed with honours the Senior Oxford local examination in
1913, was trained in bacteriological technique under Professor
Hewlett, of King's College, and, since then has gained bacteriological
experience practically in connection with the following appointments
which she has held:—
1. Westminster (Charing Cross) Ophthalmic Hospital—
Bacteriological Laboratory Assistant, 1918-1920, under
the supervision of a Medical Bacteriologist (war time
appointment).
2. Lambeth Central Tuberculosis Dispensary—Dispenser
(the duties including, also, the examination of bacteriological
specimens of sputa, etc.) 1921 to present date,
under the supervision of the Council's Tuberculosis
Medical Officer (post-war appointment).
Miss Speakman has now been appointed by the Council as
Bacteriological Assistant to the Medical Officer of Health for the
whole of the Borough, and in that capacity will be responsible
for the carrying out of all necessary detailed practical technical
bacteriological examinations under the supervision of the Medical
Officer of Health, who still remains the Director of the Laboratory
and is responsible for all work that is carried out thereat.
This detailed practical bacteriological work takes up much
time, as the total numbers of examinations conducted at the
Laboratory, year by year, testify; and the result of the change in
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