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Two social case workers undertake intensive work with suitable families and were
concerned with 33 families during the year. The work in this field, especially that of the
intensive case worker, calls for much patience, perseverance and understanding and great
credit is due to the individual field workers who continue their task with energy and
enthusiasm despite frequent setbacks.
Fireguards—Fifteen applications were met under the scheme for the loan of fireguards to
necessitous elderly or handicapped persons, or householders with children under 12 years
of age.
Voluntary workers—About nine voluntary workers assisted each week at various infant
welfare sessions; I am most pleased to acknowledge their generous service.
DIVISION 7, comprising the boroughs of Camberwell and Lewisham
Dr. Ann Mower White reports:
Maternity and child welfare—New child welfare clinics have been established on the
Bellingham and the Sydenham Hill Estates, both in new community centres serving selfcontained
neighbourhoods some distance from existing centres.
At most child welfare sessions routine weighing of each baby at each attendance has been
discontinued in favour of more selective weighing. Discussion groups and demonstrations
are favoured as a means of inducing mothers to attend consistently.
Day nurseries—Average daily attendances in day nurseries have increased and more use
was made of them by the lone or deserted parent, the expectant or sick mother, and the
family living in an adverse environment.
Home-making course—The home-making course for inexperienced mothers of actual or
potential problem families is now held in a centre close to one of the Council's welfare
homes and the health visitors who give the instruction at the centre are those who visit the
families in the home.
Chiropody—The expansion for the county as a whole of the chiropody service for old
people, expectant mothers and handicapped persons has resulted in an increase of 32
sessions in the division which are being allocated to meet the needs of various areas, having
regard to the similar sessions provided by the local Old People's Welfare Associations.
Home help—Home helps selected to work with problem families have been given special
training, whilst for the remaining home helps talks on the care of old people have been
given by the local geriatric consultant and the borough Medical Officer of Health.
Health education—The usual wide range of subjects has been covered by talks at centres
and by visits to schools, clubs and other community groups. As a special effort to bring
home the dangers of smoking to adolescents, talks at which a film has been shown have
been given by a medical officer at senior schools.
Special investigation clinics—There has been a marked increase in the number of
children referred by school doctors—2,073 compared with 1,829 in 1958. This increase may
be due partly to the withdrawal of the issue of cod-liver oil and malt and halibut oil
capsules from the schools. The number of obese children referred for treatment was
marked and the schools have been most helpful by arranging for them to have as little
starchy food as possible.
Two additional weekly clinics were started and there are now seven special investigation
clinics held each week. Each centre has an enuretic alarm apparatus. The popularity of
these clinics is due to the fact that there is no time limit and doctor and parent can discuss
the child's problems in a quiet atmosphere.
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