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childbirth in 1940, and 4 in 1939. Every endeavour is made by
careful ante-natal treatment and advice given to expectant mothers
at the ante-natal clinic, to ensure that all is done to avoid any complication
during the actual confinement of the mother.
As Civil Defence matters are of such vital importance in our
national life, and as the local Authorities are responsible for much
of the organisation of Air Raid Precautions, some brief notes are
appended with regard to various matters of this branch of the
Service. It will be observed that further improvements at the Depots
have been carried out.
During the year considerable improvements have been made
in the condition of the Depots of the Acton Casualty Sen-ice.
Sleeping accommodation has been improved by the issue of twotier
metal bunks, mattresses and pillows, for the personnel of the
Stations, to replace the original camp beds. Individual sleeping
equipment, which includes three blankets, one pillow slip and two
towels, has now been allocated to all personnel.
A house at 59 Gunnersbury Lane has been provided as a
resting place for day duty nurses, and protected sleeping accommodation
for the night duty shift stationed at Acton Hospital First Aid
Post. No. 11 Gunnersbury Lane has been taken over to accommodate
the ambulance staff previously stationed at 28 Gunnersbury
Lane. This step has proved to be very satisfactory, as besides
No. 11 being a far more suitable building, it is adjacent to the
garage. The caretaker's house at East Acton School has been
acquired for the use of the ambulance personnel stationed there.
An extra room has been granted by the Director of Education for
the female personnel at Acton Wells School. Further improvement
has been made in the sleeping accommodation at Stretcher Party
Post No. 3, as the Middlesex County Council authorised the building
of protective accommodation in which 45 persons can rest and
sleep. A canteen has been installed at this Post and is entirely run
by the personnel.
I feel you should be informed of the splendid way in which
the A.R.P. Casualty Sendees behaved during the aerial bombardments
and carried out their duties in an exemplary manner often
at considerable personal risk.
I should like to thank the staff of the Public Health Department
for their kindly co-operation and loyalty throughout the year.
I remain,
Your Obedient Servant,
GEORGE E. B. PAYNE.