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Following the consideration of the report, the Council
resolved:
1. The Council do instruct the Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee to prepare a detailed scheme and estimate of
expenditure for the more adequate accorrmodation for maternity
and child welfare purposes in the southern part of
the Borough.
2. That the Council do agree to the appointment of a wholetime
lady assistant Medical Officer under the direction
and control of the Medical Officer of Health.
3. That consideration of the appointment of additional Health
Visitors be adjourned.
On 1st April, 1937, Dr. Nichol took up her appointment
as first full-time Assistant Medical Officer of Health.
Dr. Ross-Keyt resigned his appointment in 1939 and the
present writer was appointed to replace him.
Up to the outbreak of hostilities in September 1939,
there had been a progressive increase in the use of the
facilities provided by the Council and this had been accompanied
by a steady fall in the infantile mortality. This
orderly progress was arrested by the evacuation of many children
from the Borough with the onset of war, but within a
few weeks, attendances soon rose and, in some cases, exceeded
the figures for the corresponding period during the previous
year.
It is to be noted that the infantile mortality rate of
28. 2 in 1939 was the lowest rate recorded in the Borough and
compared very favourably with that of 43.2 in 1938.
During the war period 1939-1945, there were many changes
in the situation as regards enemy action on the civilian population
- causing fluctuations in the population of the borough.
In spite of all difficulties, the welfare services of the
borough were well maintained and in many instances, additional
facilities made available.