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Mentally
retarded
children
The special welfare clinics for mentally retarded children under 5 years of age,
at which parents are able to discuss their special difficulties with a doctor experienced in
this field as well as in the field of maternity and child welfare, were re-arranged in order
to cover the four main sections of the division, bearing in mind the districts where the
children lived. Experience continued to prove the value of these clinics.
Domiciliary
diversional
therapy
Instructions in various crafts was given by an occupational therapist to persons
suffering from tuberculosis and confined to their homes; reports on the first full year's
working of the scheme, which was commenced in October, 1955, have been most
satisfactory. Some patients showed great enthusiasm and nearly all benefited from the
training and interest provided.
Problem
families
Improved co-ordination of the work of the various departments of the Council and
of outside authorities and agencies concerned with the prevention of child neglect and
ill-treatment contributed materially towards the more effective use of the services
available.
The divisional co-ordinating committee continued to meet monthly to consider
policy and review progress in particular cases. The Divisional Education Officer, the
District Care Organiser, and the Area Children's Officer, were permanent members.
Representatives of other social services attended when aspects of the work with which
they were especially concerned were discussed. Field level conferences were broadened
to include all parties concerned with a particular case and strengthened where appropriate
by senior divisional medical and nursing staff.
District
nursing
associations
The Charlton and Blackheath District Nursing Association, the Nursing Sisters of
St. John the Divine, the Ranyard Nurses and the Woolwich and Plumstead Nursing
Association rendered valuable service during the year. District nursing in the North
Woolwich area, formerly undertaken by the Silvertown and North Woolwich District
Nursing Association, was successfully absorbed by the Woolwich and Plumstead
Nursing Association and the Association's help in this connection has been greatly
appreciated.
Voluntary
workers
About 14 voluntary workers assisted each week at infant welfare sessions. I am
pleased to acknowledge their generous service.
Hospital
nurse
training
Lectures on the work of the public health department were given to student nurses
at five local hospitals by senior divisional staff. In addition to the lectures given, the
arrangements were continued whereby student nurses from the five local hospitals were
enabled to see the work of a welfare centre and school clinic and pay visits to homes
with the health visitor or district nurse. The system entailed close co-operation between
the sister tutor of the hospital concerned and the divisional nursing officer. Besides giving
the student nurse some insight into the social services, this provided yet another valuable
personal link between hospital and local health authority services.
Co-operation
and general
The following brief account indicates some of the ways in which co-operation
has been fostered.
During the year regular meetings of senior divisional staff were held and also
conferences with borough medical officers of health and chest physicians.
Monthly meetings of health visitors, midwives, medical officers and hospital staff
were conducted by the obstetric consultants at St. Alfege's Hospital and the British
Hospital for Mothers and Babies.
Health visitors organised informal meetings with general practitioners and the dayto-day
contact with local doctors was very satisfactory.
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