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11
Despite a comparatively high level of day nursery provision (581 places) there
is a large unsatisfied demand. While it is not possible in the short term to increase
the number of day nursery places, some relief has been afforded by a continuing
expansion of the occasional creche service, using accommodation in maternity and
child welfare centres. The service has increased by some 25% since April, 1965.
A cervical cytology service for the detection of early cervical cancer was
started on a small scale, limited in the first instance to women over 35 years of
age. The development of this service is dependent on the availability of
technicians, who are trained and employed by the Regional Hospital Board to
examine the specimens collected.
After discussion with the consultant venereologist, St. Thomas' Hospital,
arrangements were made to expand the work of venereal disease contract tracing;
and an additional venereal disease social worker was employed based on the
hospital clinic.
The Council continued to give financial support to voluntary organisations
which contribute to the work of the Health Department and in particular continued
to provide a home nursing service through the agency of the Lambeth District
Nursing Voluntary Committee.
With regard to the Environmental Health Services there have been several
significant developments over the year. During the latter part of 1965 it became
quite apparent that there was an urgent need for additional experienced Inspectors
to deal with the unsatisfactory housing conditions in many parts of the BoroughThree
senior Inspectors were appointed in February, and, as a result the existing
Slum Clearance Programme was augmented by some 1,400 houses. Surveys were
carried out in areas where multiple occupation caused much concern and following
an appreciation of the position the Council decided to request the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government to approve a scheme for the registration of all
houses in the six central wards of the Borough where there were more than two
families in occupation. This scheme came into operation on the 8th October and
although it is my intention to report fully on the effectiveness of this scheme after
it has been in operation for one year, I have chosen to refer in some detail to its
development in the body of my report. I consider the registration of houses in
multiple occupation to be an essential factor in the strenuous efforts being made
to improve living conditions, whether it be by the provision of additional amenities
or, alternatively, a suitable reduction in the number of occupants in these houses.
In the quest for clean air I report the completion of the existing five year
programme in connection with the declaration of Smoke Control areas. A further
five year programme was formulated covering 1,274 acres and steady process in
this work is being maintained. Nevertheless it will be 1976 before the whole of
the Borough is subject to Smoke Control Orders.