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Research
The investigation, in conjunction with the Medical Research Council, into the
efficacy of a combined prophylactic against diphtheria and whooping cough has continued
as has also the investigation into the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. During the
year two further investigations likely to break new ground, were instituted. Firstly, in
conjunction with the Family Welfare Association, a home-making scheme for the
mothers of problem families was started. A group of mothers, referred by various
agencies, met weekly and by group discussion gained some insight into housekeeping,
child management and similar questions. It is too early to assess the value of the scheme
but it is hoped it will provide a means of helping mothers, particularly those belonging
to the border-line group of potential problem families.
Some thought has also been given to the preventive aspects of mental illness by
paying more attention in infant welfare centres to early deviations from normal. This
work has been carried out in very close association with Dr. W. Warren, the Medical
Director of the Brixton child guidance unit, whose help and guidance has been
invaluable. Dr. Warren is now running one of the pilot discussion groups formed in
accordance with the recommendations of the L.C.C. Study Group on this subject.
Day nurseries
inuring uic year, x>ainam aay nursery was ciosea, leaving a total 01 day nurseries
providing places for 599 children. Of these 12 nurseries, eight were recognised for
training students.
Special
investigation
clinics
At clinics concerned with the problem of bed wetting there was a total of 1,390
attendances at 214 sessions. This showed a slight decrease in the number of attendances
compared with the figure for the previous year although the number of sessions was
slightly more. There were 235 new cases compared with 253 in 1953.
Applications for recuperative holidays placed through the division numbered 886
as compared with 946 in the previous year. Direct placing amounted to 31 per cent,
of the total and constituted a decrease compared with the percentage (44-4 per cent.)
for 1953.
Recuperative
holidays
Home helps
The home helps attended 3,231 households during 1954 representing an increase of
15 per cent, over the previous year. This is in line with the increasing use made of the
home help service which is now firmly established as one of the most important of the
social services.
Home nursing
Equipment was loaned to 40 patients compared with 29 in 1953. 23 patients were still
using the equipment at the end of the year. The home nurses paid 207,150 visits during
1954, an increase of 4-9 per cent, over the number of visits recorded in 1953. There
was a similar increase in 1953 compared with 1952 and I should hke to say how important
a place the home nursing service has come to play in the care of the domiciliary patient.
Working on the one hand in close conjunction with the family doctor and on the other
gaining constantly closer contact with the other services provided by the local health
authority, and particularly with health visitors and home helps, its social as well as its
more strictly medical value is undoubtedly increasing.
I should like to express appreciation for the help and co-operation received from the
district nursing associations in this area, some of whom are facing new problems. The
large estates which are being built, particularly in the Roehampton area where previously
there were comparatively few residences, means that a large expansion of the home
nursing services for that area will be essential. This is well recognised and I have no doubt
that the demand will be efficiently met.
Health
education
During the year the giving of talks by the medical and nursing staff to various
organisations continued and one health visitor still devoted a large proportion of her
time to problems of health education. With the cordial co-operation of the Borough
Librarians, to whom I would like to express our thanks and appreciation, literature on
public health matters, particularly relating to mothers and young children has been
made available to the public. Special leaflets have been prepared which are available at
centres and suitable books suggested by the divisional staff have been made available for
loan in the libraries. There is reason to think that good use is made by many of the
mothers of these facilities.
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