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with the use of oil heaters. This was done in conjunction with campaigns organised by
the borough councils in the division, by the display of posters and distribution of leaflets
at welfare centres, etc. and by arranging talks and film shows to mothers attending centres.
In November support was given to an anti-poisoning campaign launched by Fulham
Borough Council. More classes were held at welfare centres during the year for expectant
mothers, their husbands and parents of young children. Record numbers attended and
at some of the mothercraft classes more than 70 expectant mothers and husbands were
present.
Chiropody—In February an additional foot clinic was opened at the Hammersmith
Borough Council's medicinal baths. The borough council kindly granted the necessary
facilities without charge but this Council staffed and equipped the clinic. In September
the number of sessions was increased from two to three a week.
The full number of sessions authorised for the Council's clinics is 100 a week but owing
to illness and the difficulty in recruiting chiropodists the average number held was about
87 weekly. In addition, facilities are provided through the Old People's Welfare organisations,
with financial assistance from the Council, and by the Chelsea School of Chiropody.
Day nurseries—There was no significant change in the number of children attending
the Council's day nurseries. Shortages of nursing staff and assistants have imposed heavy
strains on the nursery staffs and on several occasions have made it necessary to restrict
admissions. The grouping of children in 'families', including all ages, has been extended
with marked success wherever the layout of the premises and the staff available has made
this possible. Increasing use has been made of the day nurseries for the care of children
with handicaps or behaviour problems.
Improvements were carried out to a number of nurseries, including the installation of
gas-fired central heating and reorganisation of the laundry at Eridge House day nursery,
Fulham.
Extensive alterations were carried out at Cheyne Hospital nursery to allow the Cheyne
Hospital Spastic Unit additional space. The whole of the second floor was vacated and
the nurses' home was surrendered on expiration of the lease in September. Limited
accommodation for resident staff was provided but it is no longer possible to accept
resident students for training.
Occasional creches—This service was extended by additional sessions and remains very
popular.
Special investigation clinics—A new clinic was opened in May at Westway maternity
and child welfare centre, to serve the White City area. Parents and children had previously
had to travel either to Fulham or Kensington, which for many involved a long walk and
two bus journeys. The sessions were originally held on alternate weeks, but by the end
of the year the steady increase in attendances indicated that a weekly session would soon
have to be arranged.
Bathing centres—The Kensington Borough Council bathing centre was closed in May
for rebuilding and temporary arrangements were made for the cleansing of school children
to be carried out at the Hammersmith medicinal baths; facilities are also provided at
Sedlescombe Road treatment centre, Fulham. Considerable success has been achieved
through the health education activities of health visitors and school nurses and by the
free distribution of ' Lorexane' shampoo but the need for bathing centre facilities still
remains, especially in North Kensington where many houses and rooms are in multiple
occupation and washing facilities are minimal and shared by other families.
Child guidance—The Earls Court child guidance unit was completely redecorated and
additional accommodation made available for the registrar and the day hospital.
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