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142
Home help
service
The gradual expansion of this service has continued. The number of home help
units was increased by 29, but what is of greater significance is that there was an increase
of over 20 per cent. in the number of cases assisted as compared with the previous year.
Ante-natal
clinics
It was decided to commence an evening ante-natal clinic in Paddington to meet the
convenience of working mothers who find it difficult to attend in the day time. This
experiment at once proved successful, and arrangements are already in hand for similar
clinics to be opened in Hampstead and St. Marvlebone.
Old people
(foot clinics)
The divisional committee gave approval to accommodation being made available
in premises in both Hampstead and Paddington for foot clinics organised by the local
old peoples welfare committees. Facilities had already been granted for a similar clinic
to be opened in St. Marvlebone.
Research
All grades of the divisional staff have contributed their share to the many investigations
and research projects which have been initiated both from County Hall and
elsewhere.
Diversional
therapy
A divisional therapy service for people suffering from tuberculosis and confined to
their homes is to be started as an experiment in Paddington. The handicrafts to be
taught will include weaving, tapestry making, leather work, basket work, jewellery and
lampshade making. A part-time occupational therapist has been engaged and if the
project is successful, consideration will be given to its extension to other parts of the
division.
Premises
During the year the following additional accommodation was acquired by the
Council:
Hampstead Health Institute.—The Council completed the purchase of these premises
which will be adapted for maternity and child welfare and school health purposes. A
scheme has been prepared and is awaiting necessary approvals.
Hampstead Wells House centre.—Through the co-operation of the Hampstead
borough council a suite of rooms for use as a maternity and child welfare centre is now
rented in their Wells House estate.
Westminster treatment centre.—These premises are now adapted and their use as a
school treatment centre will commence early in 1953.
St. Stephen s day nursery (Paddington).—This purpose-built nursery will accommodate
51 children, and replaces requisitioned premises.
Conclusion
I express my sincere appreciation of the loyal co-operation and successful work of
all my colleagues in the divisional health service.
Division 3, comprising the boroughs of Finsbury, Holborn and Islington.
Dr. Bertha E. A. Sharpe reports :
Medical
officers
The Division lost the services of Dr. A. B. Stewart as divisional medical officer
during the year by reason of his promotion to the position of deputy medical officer
of health for the County. Co-operation with the hospital and specialist services and the
environmental health services in the Division was encouraged. Regular meetings with the
medical officers of health of the three boroughs were continued when problems were
discussed and concerted action agreed.
The scheme for interchange between hospital registrars at the Hospital for Sick
Children, Great Ormond Street and the Council's assistant medical officers continued
satisfactorily throughout the year. The exchange of experience has become mutually
appreciated. The number of full-time assistant medical officers employed in the Division
has been increased by one, viz. from 5 to 6.
Co-operation
with hospitals
and general
practitioners
Special arrangements continued with the Hospital for Sick Children whereby
medical reports were received following the discharge of patients. All cases were
followed up by the health visitors and school nursing sisters and the reports were made
available without delay to the doctors responsible for the children. Requests were
received from hospitals in the area for reports on home conditions before patients were