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Poplar Clinic was opened on 1st December, 1920 (after the Royal College
of St. Katharine had intimated that they would be unable to continue
work south of East India Dock Road), at Shirbutt Street, with one
session weekly. During 1921, it was found necessary to open a second
session for infant consultations, and at the expiration of the lease of these
premises in 1922, the clinic was transferred to 134, High Street, Poplar,
which premises had been acquired by the Council. In 1924, a continued
increase of work necessitated a re-arrangement of the health visiting
districts and the appointment of a further health visitor. At the same
time, as the clinic premises were overcrowded, a proposal to erect a
modern building at the rear of 134 and 136, High Street, Poplar, was
approved by the Borough Council and the Ministry of Health. The
clinic comprises a large hall 45ft. by 35ft. from which are entered
the weighing and consulting rooms. Separate dressing boxes are provided
in the weighing room; there is sanitary accommodation for
the staff and patients. The building is constructed of reinforced
concrete, with a large lantern light, roof, covered with slates and supported
by steel trusses. The floors are of concrete, covered with jointless
asbestic composition. The Ministry of Health has sanctioned the
establishment of a second artificial light centre here.
In the plans of the proposed observation wards to be erected at
Wellington Road, provision has been made for infant consultations to
relieve the work at Old Ford.
Artificial sunlight treatment was first carried out in my own office
during the latter part of 1924. On account of the very encouraging
results the Ministry sanctioned the establishment of an artificial sunlight
clinic, and pending the erection of the observation wards temporary
accommodation (comprising treatment and weighing rooms) has been
rented at the Parish Hall, Avenue Road, Bow.
After making thorough investigations I was convinced that
the best results were to be obtained from a type "K," K.B.B.
Artificial Sun lamp, and the Council purchased a lamp of this type.
The original lamp is used as a standby in case of breakdown. Later
in the year a "Murray Levick" lamp (for throwing red rays on the
body) was purchased and this is used in conjunction with the sunlight
lamp. The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee appointed Dr.
E. M. Layman, one of the clinic doctors who was becoming au fait with
the treatment, medical officer-in-charge of the Centre and Miss E. A.
Sheppard, nurse-in-charge. The Clinic opened on 20th March, and