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We still continue to bathe all children under 3 years daily and the bigger children twice
a week, but we are finding it difficult, as the bathroom, which was just big enough for our
numbers in 1936, is hardly large enough to deal adequately with the increased number of children
coming now.
Although we had an epidemic of measles and some whooping cough, the health of the
children on the whole has been good. Many of our regular attenders have been coming since
we opened in May, 1936, and they can easily be detected by their happy, sturdy appearance.
The children are a happy crowd and it is a very bad day indeed when the bigger ones are not
out in the garden for some part of the day.
We are, unfortunately, not able to get babies and tweenies out so much : in Summer we lift
cots downstairs into the garden and they spend all fine days outside, but in winter it is a problem
to get enough fresh air for them.
The probationers are very satisfactory and three have now their Elementary Certificates and
are waiting to take their Advanced examinations.
Christmas was a happy time for both Staff and Children, the latter had a Christmas Tree
and a Party, Dr. Christie very kindly acting as Father Christmas. On the evening of the same
day the mothers came back at 7.30 after leaving their children with " Father " or " Granny "
and we played games and danced. The nurses gave an amusing Sketch which we all enjoyed ;
Mrs. Christie very kindly sent cakes and sausage rolls which were much appreciated and the
mothers voted it " the best Christmas Party we have had for years."
On December 18th, the nurses had a small Party, the enjoyment of which was greatly
helped by the loan of a radiogram from the father of one of the children—-an electrician.
We take this opportunity of thanking the following for gifts received during the year.
The Mayor's Fund £3 for Christmas toys.
Mrs. Christie Cakes, etc., for Parties.
Lady Kenyon, Dr. Emslie, Mrs. Beaton, Mrs.
Gregory, Mrs. Kinnear, Mrs. Lascelles,
Mrs. Rennor, Mrs. Tweedy Toys.
Dr. Fen wick Nursery posters.
ADMINISTRATION.
STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A complete list of the Staff of the Department appears on page 4. The following changes and
additions occurred during the year.
Assistant Medical Officer for Maternity and Child Welfare and Public Vaccinator.—Miss Ethel
R. Emslie, M.D., Ch.B., D.P.H., commenced duty on the 4th January, 1937. The appointment of
an Assistant Medical Officer for Maternity and Child Welfare was a new one in conformity with the
decision of the Council on the 30th April, 1936. The Public Vaccinator's duties were taken over from
Dr. S. Denovan Adam, whose appointment ceased on the 3rd January, 1937.
Visiting Medical Officers.—Consequent on the appointment of an Assistant Medical Officer
for Maternity and Child Welfare it became necessary to re-arrange the staffing of the Welfare Centres.
The term of engagement of all the Visiting Medical Officers expired at the end of 1936, and the
following were appointed to act at the Sessions not attended by Dr. Emslie, as from the 1st January,
1937, viz. : Drs. S. Denovan Adam, R. Cove-Smith, E. Dorothy Fenwick, Evelyn T. D. Maclagan,
and C. T. Potter.
Clerks.—Mr. R. H. Clark and Mr. R. W. Carpenter commenced duties as Class 5 Clerks on the
29th January and 1st April respectively.
Sanitary Inspectors.—Mr. H. D. Bailey resigned his appointment on the 30th June, and Mr.
W. H. G. Atkins, then a temporary Inspector, was appointed on the 22nd July to fill the vacancy.
On the 24th June the Council decided to appoint two additional temporary Sanitary Inspectors in
connection with the Housing work, making the total temporary Inspectorial Staff five.
Health Visitors.—Miss F. Fox and Miss A. M. A. Johnston were appointed Health Visitors on the
25th February, consequent on the decision of the Council in October, 1936, to augment the Visiting
Staff. They commenced duty on the 1st and 5th April respectively.
Westbourne Day Nursery.—The increase in the number of children attending the Nursery
necessitated slight additions to the Staff. Two additional Probationer Nurses were authorised and
obtained in May, making the approved total seven.