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9
or three years, providing together more than 200 places. With the kind cooperation
of the hospital authority the number of those children attending the
training school at the Manor hospital, Epsom, was increased from 20 to 30.
The close relationship with St. Thomas' hospital as district hospital for a
part of Lambeth has continued. Discussions are taking place on the development
of a comprehensive psychiatric service based on the South Western hospital in
which the local authority will play a full part.
Despite the comparatively high level of day nursery provision (10 nurseries
596 places) there is a continuing unsatisfied demand. One additional day nursery
(60 places) is planned. To increase the number of children using the nurseries,
arrangements for part-time attendance of some children whose needs could be met
in this way were extended to six nurseries, with great success.
The advice and help of the staff of the department has been freely available
to voluntary organisations or groups of people wishing to open play groups.
Financial assistance totalling over £3,000 has also been given, and a grant under
the Urban Programme is being sought to enable substantially increased assistance
to be given in 1969.
Although financial restrictions prevented full implementation of the provisions
of the National Health Service (Family Planning) Act 1967, a domiciliary family
planning service for those considered to need it was started at the Council's
request by the Family Planning Association, which also continued to receive
payments in respect of Lambeth patients attending their clinics.
Other developments which occurred during the year included the introduction
of a domiciliary chiropody service for physically handicapped and disabled persons
who are unable to attend for treatment at foot clinics, and the immunisation of
children against measles.
During the year there was an outbreak of infection due to Salmonella
Oranienberg at a hospital in the Borough which necessitated its temporary closure.
Details of action taken to deal with the outbreak are given in the body of this
Report.
I am glad to acknowledge my indebtedness to the Chairman of the Health
(subsequently Health and Welfare) Committee and to other members of the Council
for their interest and encouragement during the year. Thanks also go to my fellow
Chief Officers, to Dr. A.B. Stewart, Medical Adviser, Inner London Education
Authority, and especially to the staff of my own department without whose able and
willing co-operation little could had been achieved.