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(4) Appointment of Welfare Officer
In July, 1959, the Council decided to appoint a Welfare Officer
on the staff of the Public Health Department, and in December, 1959,
Miss Harrison commenced her duties. In the Appendix I have
included Miss Harrison's report on the completion of her first year's
work, which covers a wide social field and is of great interest and
importance.
(5) Overcrowding
Unfortunately a serious degree of overcrowding still exists in
this Borough. Although on the register of overcrowding there were
records of 167 cases at the end of the year, we are only too well
aware that many other cases exist which have not come, so far, to
our notice. The main reason for this is that Paddington attracts
many immigrants from overseas in search of employment. On
arrival they obtain perhaps a furnished single room accommodation,
and in due course are joined by the rest of their family. All serious
cases of overcrowding coming to our notice are reported in detail to
the Public Health Committee, who consider carefully all facets of
the problems presented to them.
(6) Home Bathing of the Elderly
Reference is made in my Report to the inauguration of a new
scheme, on the 1st April, 1961, which will greatly relieve the excellent
and over-burdened nurses of the Paddington and St. Marylebone
District Nursing Association. It has been agreed that a special
appointment be made to this department in order to undertake the
home bed bathing of certain patients of the District Nursing
Association. This will of course result in the release of nurses to
deal with cases urgently requiring their nursing skill and attention.
If the scheme proves successful I feel this venture will merit the
attention of other local authorities.
(7) Conclusion
I would like to express my gratitude for the help and co-operation
I have received from the Chairman and Members of the Public
Health Committee, the Chief Officers of the Council, and especially
to all the staff of the Public Health Department.
I have the honour to be
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. LESLIE OLDERSHAW,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
14-15, Park Place Villas,
London, W.2.
Tel. No.: Paddington 1251.