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was given to unvaccinated children under five years of age and the re-vaccination of young
persons under 18 years of age who had not been re-vaccinated during the previous years.
Adults who had been in contact with suspected cases were given primary vaccination on
request, after the attendant risks had been explained. With mounting publicity and the
occurrence of a case in another nearby division, demand for adult vaccination became
insistent. This demand was met by holding extra evening sessions and by increasing the
turn-over at existing sessions. The division helped the borough medical officers of health
in the supply of vaccine to general practitioners and a week-end service was provided for
this purpose.
In April, oral (Sabin) poliomyelitis vaccine was introduced for persons in the priority
groups. During the September quarter, the 100,000 mark was passed for persons completing
primary courses of poliomyelitis vaccination in the division.
Pre-school play groups—This new private venture in the minding of pre-school children
showed some growth in the division. Although the play groups do not as a rule come
within the provisions of the Nurseries and Child-Minders' Regulation Act, 1948, they
voluntarily sought the advice of the Council's officers on standards, hygiene and child care.
School treatment centres—An appreciable fall in attendances at minor ailment sessions
held at school treatment centres was noted. As a result of this a number of sessions were
reduced in duration and one centre, that at Cobourg School, was closed.
Dover Lodge hostel for girls—During the year visits were paid by members of the
divisional health committee, who were able to suggest some improvements which contributed
to the comfort of the girls; the committee also received quarterly reports on the
hostel. The reports showed that there was a happy atmosphere in the home. The girls'
jobs were carefully selected by the mental welfare officer and the warden; several employers
took a friendly interest in the girls' work and in the life of the hostel. The girls continued
to attend and benefit from evening classes in dressmaking, basketry and physical training.
They enjoyed badminton and church youth club activities, with their own regular Thursday
'pop' record evening as a popular feature of the week. The position of second assistant
warden was filled early in the year, this completing the supervisory staff of warden and
part-time warden (joint appointment of wife and husband) and two assistant wardens.
Regular case conferences were held at the hostel between the principal medical officer
for mental health, the divisional medical officer, and the deputy divisional mental welfare
officer. At these, all aspects of the girls' health and welfare were discussed. This proved a
valuable method of giving help and guidance to the warden. For routine medical attention
the girls were on the list of the local general practitioner.
Occupational therapy—A qualified occupational therapist was employed part-time (six
sessions per week) from October. Her time was mainly spent in visiting the mentally ill
housebound patients in their homes and providing them with various types of occupation.
Besides the normal forms of therapy, such as basket work, rug making, the making of lamp
shades, etc., she also helped the patients in dressmaking and cookery. The main aims were
to rehabilitate patients as far as possible back to a normal life and work and to provide
those unable to work with interests and occupation. The work should prove to be of great
benefit to the patients.
General practitioner obstetricians—Discussions took place with the general practitioner
obstetricians attending expectant mothers resident in the division, with a view to giving
effect to the principles laid down by the Maternity Services (Cranbrook) Committee. They
were offered the free use of the Council's ante-natal clinics to see their own booked
maternity patients and, by agreement, those of other doctors. This allowed a group of
doctors to attend at a centre in rotation and to see each other's patients. As a result of the
discussions, agreement was reached for a team of doctors to attend one session a week at
Spalding House welfare centre, Honor Oak Estate; other teams planned to operate early
in 1963.
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