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27
PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES
With the passing of the National Health Service Act 1946, the personal
health services which had been the responsibility of the Metropolitan Borough
Councils, passed to the London County Council in July, 1948. As a result of the
London Government Act 1963 they were transferred to the new London Boroughs
on 1st April 1965.
The arrangements which had been developed by the London County Council
continued with little change and without interruption of the service to the public.
Certain services, especially, the mental health services, had been developed on
a County-wide basis and their distribution was not ideally suited to the individual
needs of the Inner London Boroughs. Some inter-borough sharing of services, e.g.
training centres, was therefore necessary. The Council intends to maintain and
develop the services so that as far as possible the needs of Lambeth residents
will ultimately be met within the Borough.
ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL CLINICS
Clinics are held in maternity and welfare centres by the Council's medical
officers and midwives and by general practitioner obstetricians, at which they can
examine their patients and make arrangements for their confinements. At the end
of the year sessions were held by seven general practitioner obstetricians at
four of the Council's Clinics. (See page 40).
MOTHERCRAFT AND RELAXATION CLASSES
These classes are held by domicilliary midwives and health visitors in
maternity and welfare centres for both hospital and domiciliary booked cases.
Two hundred and twenty three women made 861 attendances during the year. (See
page 41).
DENTAL TREATMENT
Dental treatment is provided for expectant and nursing mothers and children
under the age of five years who are not eligible for the school dental service.
The service is provided in conjunction with that for school children, combined
use being made of the staff and premises. (See page 41).
PHENYLKETONURIA
Urine tests for the detection of phenylketonuria are carried out by health
visitors on all babies before the age of 8 weeks.
WELFARE FOODS
National Welfare Foods (Dried Milk, Cod Liver Oil and Orange Juice) are
issued at approved prices at all the Council's Maternity and Child Welfare Centres.