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The year under review saw the introduction of the Abortion Act, 1967, and the National Health
Service (Family Planning) Act, 1967. Requirements in respect of approval to carry out abortions
in Nursing Homes brought one application for consideration. Turning to the implications of family
planning, the Act confers on Local Authorities the general power, with the approval of the Minister
of Health (and when the Minister directs, imposes a duty on them) to make arrangements for the
giving of advice on contraception, the medical examination of persons seeking such advice and
the supply (by subscription or directly) of contraceptive substances. The coming into being of
this Act necessitated Local Authorities reviewing their family planning facilities in particular as
regards the Domiciliary Services and, in my Report for next year, I will deal specifically with the
considerations given and recommendations that the Council decides to make.
During the year in question, it became obvious to me that certain Clinics could possibly be adapted
to provide what is implied in the operation of a Health Centre. Arising out of the survey undertaken.
it was found that East Barnet Clinic was capable of being adapted to provide Health Centre
accommodation for five General Practitioners subject to minor reconstruction work and plans were
prepared accordingly and for subsequent submission to the Ministry of Health and consideration
by the Authority. I saw this as Barnet's first inroad into Health Centre accommodation, to be
followed by other purpose-built Health Centres, the first two of which would be on the Hen don
Aerodrome Site and in the West Hendon Redevelopment Area. From the survey, it became obvious
that certain other Clinics, though not capable of providing Health Centre facilities, could possibly
be considered in connection with applications being made by General Practitioners for accommodation
and, in fact, the temporary use of one Clinic was ultimately permitted by the Council and with
the approval of the Middlesex Executive Council.
During 1967, the staffing situation generally improved but the administration service of the
Department still needs to be strengthened. This aspect of the Department's work will no doubt be
taken into account when the Management Services Unit's Report is issued on the Health and
Welfare Department as a whole.
The development of the Mental Health and Welfare Services progressed and during the year a
40-place Adult Training Centre at Fieldways, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, came into operation. A
start was also made in regard to Day Centre provision for the Elderly Mentally Confused at Park
House Hostel. I am hoping that pending the establishment of purpose-built Day Centres, other
premises within the Borough will be able to provide limited Day Centre accommodation. I am a
firm believer in the fact that the full use of the Domiciliary Services and Day Centre care can go
a long way towards minimising the need for persons to be taken into residential care.
Homelessness, unfortunately, still remains a big problem and during 1967 there was a serious
increase which could not have been foreseen several years ago. Urgent steps will need to be taken
to resolve the position and what had originally been the forecast of Homeless Family Units
necessary in Barnet will need to be increased.
Whilst, as was expected, the year continued to provide periods of considerable stress and
strain, I should like to record my thanks for the assistance given by all members of the staff and
to acknowledge the interest and devotion to duty which they displayed. The Borough continues to
be well served by Voluntary Organisations operating in the various fields of social welfare work.
Their activities are widely appreciated and form a valuable adjunct to the Local Authority's own
services and responsibilities.
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