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141
General
It is a pleasure to record the excellent way in which the divisional staff have responded
to the additional work they have been called upon to do. I should like, also, to thank
the members of the many statutory and voluntary bodies whose support and cooperation
has been so valuable and, in particular, the Divisional Health Committee for
their encouragement.
Division 8, comprising the boroughs of Bermondsey, Lambeth and Southwark.
Dr. W. H. S. Wallace reports :
Premises
The redecoration of premises in the division was continued. Two day nurseries and
two infant welfare centres were completely redecorated and several minor improvements
were made in various premises.
Day nurseries
There was some decrease in the demand for day nursery accommodation, especially
in the Norwood area and parts of Bermondsey; this resulted in the nurseries in these
areas not being filled to capacity. Nurseries in the rest of the division were full and there
was a waiting list for admission. The overall figure for daily average attendance, however,
dropped considerably as a result of the fact that the Norwood nurseries were not
filled.
Foot clinics
The demand for the extension of the chiropody service continued. Adequate
facilities existed in Bermondsey and, where possible, patients from parts of Lambeth and
Southwark attended the clinics in Bermondsey. The Southwark Old People Welfare
Association were given facilities at the Sutherland House welfare centre to provide a foot
clinic and this met the needs of many old people in the area.
Home help
service
The demand for the home help service continued to increase. The majority of
applicants for the service were unable to pay the full charge and consequently the cost of
the service rose as it was extended. It is clear, however, if the problem is viewed on
a national basis that economy is being effected by the extension of the service. Large
numbers of chronic sick and aged persons who would otherwise need hospital or institutional
care were enabled to remain at home as a result of the provision of home
helps. Not only is this an economy but it is much better for the old people themselves to
remain in their homes whenever possible.
Diphtheria
immunisation
Unfortunately, there was a reduction in the number of children immunised against
diphtheria. This was largely due to the fact that propaganda was reduced during the
summer months as a precautionary measure on account of the prevalence of poliomyelitis.
School
health
service
There was a decline in the number of children attending school treatment centres.
Attendances dropped at minor ailment clinics, rheumatism, nutrition and special ear
clinics. This change was due in part to the improved health of the school children and
in part because more use was made of hospital and general practitioner services.
Neglect and
ill-treatment
of children
The problem of the neglect and ill-treatment of children in their homes has been
causing concern throughout London. In order to deal with the problem in this division,
a joint committee of the chief statutory and voluntary bodies connected with the care
of children was set up to consider the problem and the full co-operation of the Children's
and Education Departments was obtained. An index of all potentially neglected children
was kept at the Divisional Office and the Committee fully consider the steps to be taken
to deal with the problems raised in connection with these families.
Recuperative
holidays
There was a noticeable decline in the number of cases sent for recuperative holidays.
There was still a large number of cancellations but the number of applications also
diminished. The particularly mild weather during the later part of the year may have
contributed to a reduction in the incidence of illness and the need for recuperative
holidays.