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MISCELLANEOUS
ADOPTION AND BOARDING-OUT
The number of medical reports received from the Children's Officer in 1969
relating to prospective adopters increased, while those relating to children proposed for
adoption and boarding out continued at the same level as in the previous year. These
reports are examined by a senior medical officer for possible medical contra-indications
to the intended arrangements and, where necessary, additional information is sought from
hospitals and general practitioners.
During the year, 25 children were considered suitable for adoption and 29 for
boarding-out. Similar recommendations were made on 32 prospective adopters. However,
1 child was considered medically unsuitable for adoption and 4 prospective adopters were
considered medically unsuitable to adopt children.
In addition, many enquiries were carried out at the request of the Children's Officer
for information appertaining to initial applications from persons wishing to adopt or
foster a child.
CHILDRENS AND WELFARE COMMITTEES ESTABLISHMENTS
Part-time visiting medical officers hold appointments at residential nurseries, and at
large and small homes for children, the aged and infirm, homeless family units etc. A
senior medical officer exercised general medical supervision of the establishments and
gave special attention to short-stay accommodation for homeless families.
THE SOUTH EAST LONDON GENERAL PRACTITIONER'S CENTRE
The number of general practitioners using the Centre has increased from 287 in
1968 to 304 and the volume of work carried out at the Centre has shown an upward
trend especially in the area of investigations. From 1st March a routine screening service
was instituted for every patient attending the Centre comprising of details of height and
weight, blood pressure and urine tests. The observations which have proved most useful
were made known to the general practitioners and are much appreciated by them. This
service is being continued. The "Tine Test" for tuberculosis is now included on the list of
investigations undertaken.
Visits
The interest in the functions of the Centre continued to attract visitors from this
country and abroad. Among the visitors were groups of nurses from Guy's and King's
Hospitals, architects and students, health visitors' study groups, and twelve Dutch general
practitioners who attended a routine lunch time general practitioner session. In addition
medical and nursing officers from the Department of Health and Social Security visited
the Centre in connection with the preparation of a comprehensive report on health
centres.
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