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voluntary workers of this Association continue to co-operate to the full, and the
assistance given in home visiting is much appreciated. A scheme has been started
whereby, in exceptional cases, home helps can be provided for evening work or for
spending the night in a home. This is purely experimental, but there are already
indications of its value.
Day Nurseries.—There is a considerable waiting list, and it has become necessary
to keep strictly to the priorities for admission decided on by the Council. A weekly
wardens' class is being held, at which a carpenter, who is giving his services free,
attends for one hour. At this class the wardens make simple toys and carry out minor
repairs.
Health Visitors.—On the basis of one health visitor for 150 births, 34 additional
health visitors were required in this Division. The situation has been improved
slightly since 5th July, 1948, by the appointment of three additional health visitors.
As much clerical assistance as possible is now being given to the health visitors.
Attendance of health visitors at vaccination and immunisation clinics has been given
up, the work being undertaken by State Registered nurses employed on a part-time
basis. By these means health visitors are enabled to devote much more of their time
to educational work.
Divisional Home Nursing Voluntary Committee.—This committee meets each
month at the Divisional Offices. It is proving a most valuable link between the
Divisional staff, the District Nursing Associations and the voluntary organisations.
Meetings of Divisional Personnel.—Health visitors and day nursery matrons and
nursery wardens meet at frequent intervals. The exchange of views at these meetings
is of great importance.
Conclusion.—The way in which the staff of the Division have co-operated since
5th July last is most praiseworthy. The Medical Officers of Health in carrying out
their duties of day-to-day administration, have given invaluable assistance, and their
knowledge of local circumstances has been most helpful.
These factors have contributed in no small measure to the smooth working of the
personal health services during the difficult period of transition.
Division 8, comprising the boroughs of Bermondsey, Lambeth and Southwark.
Dr. W. H. S. Wallace reports :
Administration.—Several members of the Public Health staffs transferred to the
Council from the 3 borough councils in the Division were brought to the Divisional
Health Offices, 128, Brook Drive, S.E.ll, on 5th July, 1948, to undertake the administrative
work. The Medical Officers of Health of the 3 boroughs agreed to continue
with the day-to-day administration in their respective boroughs. Staff concerned
with home helps, child minders, and nursery admissions remained at the Town Halls.
The School Medical Service was taken over on 31st August, 1948, and staff were
transferred from Stowey House. The Divisional Treatment Organiser's staff were
transferred to the Divisional Health Offices on 23rd October, 1948.
Maternity and Child Welfare.—The maternity and child welfare centres in
Lambeth have been administered by voluntary organisations. Negotiations were
entered into with these organisations for them to continue the administration of the
centres and to be paid a 90 per cent. grant from the Council. Two of these voluntary
centres, the North Brixton and Stockwell Centres, intimated that they were unable to
continue and accordingly their administration was taken over by the Council.
The Lady Gomm Hostel Youth Centre, Bermondsey, was opened on 9th December,
1948, and arrangements were made to hold 2 infant welfare and 2 ante-natal
sessions at the premises.