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62
tuberculosis dispensaries for the purposes of radiological control in connection with
artificial pneumothorax treatment.
The demand made on the London Ambulance Service for the provision of
transport on behalf of the Ministry of Pensions of seriously disabled war patients,
both ex-Service and others resident in London requiring hospital and other forms of
treatment, was small, and 27 journeys only were made during the year.
The Council agreed to the continued use of 30 ambulance motor cars for the
conveyance of "walking" patients and certain medical staff and domiciliary
midwives. During 1946,11,199 journeys, involving a mileage of 140,939, were undertaken
by the motor cars. Of these total figures, 3,616 journeys with a mileage of
40,304 were accounted for by conveyance of patients and the balance by other
authorised users.
The operation of transport for the Emergency Medical Service (Ministry of
Health) has continued throughout the year. On the average, 19 of the Council's
ambulances were engaged solely on this work, while 16 ambulance motor cars belonging
to the Ministry of Health were maintained and staffed by the London Ambulance
Service for E.M.S. purposes.
The mechanical deterioration of vehicles of the regular ambulance fleet, many of
which are sixteen years old, has been a source of constant anxiety; and, although
the greater part of the converted 123 Bedford ambulances (formerly auxiliary
vehicles for war purposes—now 7 years old) have been brought into service, they cannot
be regarded as an adequate substitute for a properly designed ambulance. Energetic
efforts have been made throughout the year in conjunction with the Chief Officer of
Supplies in the exploration of the possibilities of obtaining suitable new vehicles but
without success.
The Council approved the acquisition of the Carlyle Garage, 350, King's Road,
Chelsea, S.W.3, for joint use as an ambulance station and supplies department
vehicle maintenance depot, and this will enable temporary accommodation to be
given up at Allen Mansions, Allen Street, Kensington.
The partial reinstatement works (approved July, 1945) at the original premises
of the Brook Ambulance Station in Shooters Hill Road, S.E.10, which were severely
damaged by enemy action, had made good progress at the end of the year.
The Council approved the provision of rubber hot water bottles and covers as
part of the normal equipment of the general section ambulances. Arrangements
were also made for a simple first-aid outfit to be carried on these vehicles which are
not equipped for "accident" work so that the general section crews may, if called
upon while on normal operational duties, be in a position to deal with a casualty
pending the arrival, if required, of an accident ambulance.
By the end of 1946, the return of members of the operative staff from war
service was practically complete. At that time, the staff consisted of 269 permanent
and 203 temporary drivers and attendants. Of the latter figure, 42 were women.
The number of former members of the staff returning to the Council's service was
approximately equal to the wastage, and there was, therefore, practically no recruitment
during the year. In the last few months of the year, however, the rate of
return diminished sharply, while the wastage continued and the recommencement of
recruitment will be necessary. Now that the staffing situation is more stable, it will
be possible to deal with the question of granting permanent status to a number of the
temporary staff, many of whom have rendered valuable service to the Council during
the war years.