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and is now working well. Another matter of serious concern was the question of rehousing
of problem families and of the rehabilitation of families rehoused. In 1963 a special drive was
made to collaborate with the housing and welfare departments in clearing the bottleneck
in short-stay accommodation.
It is difficult to assess the ultimate effect of the great amount of social work being done
for problem families and all families suffering as a result of neglect, ignorance and incompetence.
These social problems are the problems of our times and we may consider ourselves
fortunate that now that the effect of physical disease have been largely overcome we can
turn our attention to the social problems that so often lead to more serious consequences.
We can pay tribute to the patience and understanding given by the health visitors and social
workers and all the staff concerned who are constantly dealing with these difficult problems.
DIVISION 9, comprising the boroughs of Wandsworth and Battersea
Dr. J. T. R. Lewis reports:
Development since 1948—Apart from the normal developments to be expected in an
expanding health service, the main special feature has been the attempt to integrate the
environmental and personal health services by the ‘ tripartite’ agreement between the
Council and the two Metropolitan Boroughs of Battersea and Wandsworth. This is now old
history but it is worthwhile recording that this scheme was not only the largest of its kind
in the country but over a period of more than 13 years secured the closest co-ordination of
the environmental and personal health services that is possible outside a county borough
organisation. It has been to me, and I also speak for my medical colleagues, a great privilege
and pleasure to participate in this form of administration. Although very demanding from
the personal point of view and time consuming, it has been an interesting and worthwhile
experience.
A noteworthy development has been the growth of the mental health service in the last
four years. This has been put on a basis from which there is every hope of expansion and
growth.
I should like to place on record the help I have received from all grades of staff in this area
since 1952. The co-ordination of the services to which I refer above would not have been
possible without the wholehearted support of all my colleagues.
Putney health centre—The history of this centre testifies to successful pioneer voluntary
endeavour and partnership between local authority and voluntary bodies. The forerunner
of the present centre was opened in a converted shop in 1914 by Miss Eileen Lecky, M.B.E.,
with voluntary support. The existing purpose-built establishment in Clarendon Road was
opened in 1931 as the Children's Health Centre for South-West London; from 1948 to
1958 the Council co-operated with the Trustees in the provision of a full range of health
clinics. Full responsibility for the operation of Putney health centre was taken by the
Council in July 1958.
Mental health—One of the early fruits of the Mental Health Act, 1959 was the opening
in July 1962 of the mental health hostel ' Chellow Dene’. The hostel meets the needs of
persons who require a period of sheltered accommodation to help them to establish themselves
in employment and in the community as a whole after recovery from mental illness
and includes the temporary care of patients from the community in circumstances where a
period of support away from home surroundings might prevent a more serious breakdown.
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