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7
During 1940 many associations, which had suspended or ceased their work at
the outbreak of war, re-opened in reception areas. Some associations ceased work
during the bombing of London in September and October, 1940. At the end of the
year, 23 associations were operating in reception areas. The work of 11 associations
had ceased. Appropriate reductions were made in the grants payable under
section 101 (b) of the Local Government Act, 1929.
Maternity
and child
welfare
work by
voluntary
associations
Medical examination of staff
The number of medical examinations of candidates and staff referred to the
department was 11,135, compared with 14,076 in 1939.
A number of these persons had left London in consequence of enemy action,
and medical officers of health and superintendents of hospitals in various parts of
the country have responded generously when asked to examine members of the
staff unable to make the journey to London.
In addition, medical examination of recruits for the Auxiliary Fire Service
amounted to 10,976 (compared with 12,882 in 1939), and a further 2,036 auxiliaries
were medically examined as to fitness for duty with the regular Fire Brigade, for
which a more exacting physical standard is required.
Under the provisons of regulation 298 of the Civil Defence (General) Regulations
and the Police and Firemen (Employment) Order, 1940, 264 auxiliaries in the
ambulance and fire services were allowed to resign on medical grounds.
Chemical branch
The work of the chemical branch, both statutory and otherwise, was carried
on during the year at the three laboratories, the total number of samples examined
being 18,059. Included in this total were a number of investigations in connection
with A.R.P. work and various war activities. Advice was also given on matters
involving scientific questions, e.g., the failure in use of certain building materials
(paving slabs and glazed tiles), the provision of chlorinating plant for sewage treatment
in the event of emergency, treatment for safeguarding the purity of water
supplies in the event of emergency, and procedure for the cleaning of water storage
tanks.
The analytical work in connection with sewage treatment proceeded generally
as described in previous reports. In addition, large-scale experiments were carried
out on the secondary sedimentation of effluent from the weir chamber. The results
were promising, considerable additional settlement being obtained.
Sewage
treatment
HOSPITALS AND ANCILLARY SERVICES
General hospitals
The number of beds in the 27 acute hospitals under war conditions, indicated in
the report for 1939, remained without major changes until the bombing of London
commenced in September, 1940. Until the last quarter of the year there was,
therefore, no call upon the accommodation for the treatment of air-raid casualties.
After the seasonal increase in the number of patients in hospital during the
winter months, which reached a peak at the end of February, 1940, with 10,660
patients in hospital, admissions decreased. From June until the onset of bombing
the number of patients in hospital remained fairly constant at about 8,000.
The air attacks on London resulted in a fall in the number of patients under
treatment owing to the evacuation of a proportion of the population and the transfer
of patients to the periphery of London. On 20th September, 1940, there were
6,400 patients in the acute general hospitals, including air-raid casualties, which
fortunately did not reach the number anticipated and for which preparations had
Acute
hospitals