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148
General
The number of research projects undertaken has added greatly to the work of the
divisional staff. A survey of the housing conditions of the infectious tuberculous on a
chest clinic register yielded interesting results, which have been published. †The setting
up of a regular problem family conference at the divisional office in connection with the
difficult problem of child neglect and delinquency and the problem family—from its
preventive aspect—has already given good results. This work is closely related to the
keeping of 'family folders,' one of the advantages of which is to prevent unnecessary
visiting to the homes.
I am greatly indebted to the staff of the division and to my medical and lay colleagues
in the area for their great help and co-operation during the year.
Division 8, comprising the boroughs of Bermondsey, Lambeth and Southwark.
Dr. W. H. S. Wallace reports :
Premises
The redecoration of premises in the division has been continued during the year.
Three day nurseries, two infant welfare clinics and the foot clinic in Bermondsey, were
completely redecorated.
Day nurseries
Efforts have been made to ensure the fullest economy in the running of the day
nurseries. The scheme to allow matrons to do their own housekeeping, within set
financial limits, was put into operation and has worked successfully. The nurseries
have been working to capacity, the daily average attendance reaching 99 per cent. of
the approved places. This has been due, in part, to the fact that temporary vacancies
have, wherever possible, been given to children whose mothers have been ill or have
had to go to hospital.
Home help
service
The home help service was re-organised in June and the division divided into three
areas for the purposes of administration of the service. Permanent appointment of three
home help organisers was made, one in charge of each area. The new scheme has worked
satisfactorily and the demand for the service is increasing steadily. The number of home
helps on a full-time basis has increased from 223 in 1951 to 290 in 1952.
Foot clinic:
By re-arrangement of the sessions at the foot clinics in Bermondsey it has been
possible to open the clinic in the evenings. This has improved the service considerably
and reduced the waiting list so that applicants can now obtain appointments soon after
booking.
Diphtheria
immunisation
There has been a considerable increase in the number of children receiving diphtheria
immunisation. Two additional immunisation sessions have been opened, one at Stockwell
and one at the Rose McAndrew centre. Special sessions have also been arranged in schools
to ensure that children receive the ' booster ' dose.
The number of children under five who were immunised during the year was
5,320 compared with 4,535 during 1951.
School
health
service
The work of the school health service has continued during the year and arrangements
were made to keep the family doctors informed of all defects found at school medical
inspections. The scheme has worked smoothly and the vast majority of private practitioners
welcome the arrangements made for treatment through the Council's services.
The work of ensuring that all school children found to be mentally retarded are
fully investigated and properly treated has always been a difficult task. Fortunately,
it has been possible to place one medical officer with special experience in the examination
of these children in charge of the work and thus to ensure that the children are properly
placed without delay.
There is still a considerable waiting list for refraction examination of school children.
The South-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board have been unable to provide
additional refraction sessions but an orthoptic session has been opened.
The situation regarding dental treatment has improved slightly and the Cutten
Memorial dental clinic was re-opened for the first time since the war.
† Medical Officer 89-183