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Increased accomodation for maternity cases in hospital
was arranged with Charing Croc Hospital and the existing arrangements
with Westminster Hospital -ere extended. In addition the
City Council took part in the Lender County Council scheme for
further provision of maternity beds by having a call on four lore
beds in Westminster Hospital.
The question of Hone Helps and the better care of illegitimate
children were the subject of inquiry by the Maternity and
Child Welfare Sub-Committee. The lady members visited specially
the various centres and considered the circumstances of each
district. They recommended in the first instance, the employment
by the Council of two whole time Horn: Helps and the Council accepted
the recommendation. To far, owing to the priorities of war work,
it has been possible to obtain one Home Help but her services have
proved of great benefit not only to others in confinement but in
other circumstances where housewives require help, such as acute
illness in the family. As regards illegitimate children tribute
was paid to the fruitful work of the voluntary moral welfare- organisations.
As a result of the efforts of their experienced and
able workers there was little in the way of a problem in Westminster
There was, however, an urgent need for the re-establishment of the
home for mothers and babies formerly run by one of these voluntary
bodies but at present requisitioned for war purposes.
Throughout the year, at the request of the Ministry of
Health, advantage pas taken of the local press to inform the public
about Diphtheria immunization. It is estimated that some 51% of
the children up to 14 years of age arc protected against Diphtheria.
A special note is made of the coming into force in
August 19-3 of the payment of allowances to sufferers from pulmonary
tuberculosis in order to assist their recovery and Return to
work. There were 63 beneficiaries during the ear. Arrangements
were made through the "London County Council for mass radiography on
a voluntary basis of the staffs of large undertakings. The object
is the early diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among certain age
groups. Among the 391 examined only 5 were r forded for treatment.
Among other matters affecting the public health lay be
mentioned the measures to combat rat infestation. The Council
appointed an officer of special experience to deal with this matter
with three whole time assistante. On the grading adopted by the
Ministry of Food there mere 13 areas of major infestation in the
City. Very satisfactory progress was made in clearing these areas.
Proposals to extend the accomodation for the cleansing
of persons affected by lie. , scabies , etc. were approved, but the
work required had to give way to the needs for making good, war
damage- dwellings. There was a considerable increase in disinfection
owing to the calls of the service departments, while the
number of persons cleansed likewise greatly ox-ceded that of the
previous ear.
I should like to conclude by expressing my appreciation
of the kindness and consideration which I have always received from
cambers of the Council and from my colleagues. My gratitude is
always due to the ready assistance and interested loyalty given me
by the staff of the Department.
September 1944.
I have the honour to be,
four obedient Servant,
ANDREW J. SHINNIE.