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In general their condition was found to be very satisfactory,
and it was unfortunate that this extension in the service had
to be discontinued at such an early stage. Sessions were,
however, resumed early in 1940.
The Health Visitors paid an increased number of visits
during the year.
STAFF.
The Council appointed a fourth Health Visitor in July
1939, and following her resignation in October, appointed her
successor in November, 1939. Slight alterations were also
made in the medical personnel staffing the Child Welfare
Centres.
THE OBSTETRICAL EMERGENCY UNIT was not required for service in
this District during 1939, but is still available as are the
Obstetric Specialists, one of whom was called in on 11
occasions during the year. The practice of not attempting
to recover fees incurred for their services commenced in
September, 1938, for a trial period of 1 year and was
continued for a further period of twelve months.
MATERNITY CASES.
The number admitted to Purley Hospital increases by 3
to 64 and admissions to Redhill County Hospital by 34 to 98,
but only 2 went to Queen Charlotte's Hospital as compared with
12 in 1938.
The Cornell's midwives attended 87 cases, this
representing an increase of 31 on 1938.
No alterations were made in the arrangements for Home
Helps birth control, the provision of milk, specialist treatment
and convalescent treatment.
The numbers availing themselves of the services of the
Home Helps diminished by 13 to 18. There were 11 fewer cases
treated in hospital for minor operations, etc., the total so
treated being 32; the number of orthopaedic cases treated
increased from 3 to 7, while the number of cases which received
free or part cost milk increased by 21 to l6l. On the other
hand the number of dental cases treated diminished by 14 to
76 cases.
THE DAY NURSERIES ceased to function in September 1939 but,
with the provision of shelter accommodation by the Council
for both children and staff, work was resumed in 1940.
CHILD LIFE PROTECTION.
Inspections under Section 209 of the Public Health Act
1936 continued uninterruptedly, 21 foster mothers being
supervised. The conditions found were generally satisfactory.
HOUSING.
The number of inspections made with a view to detecting
housing defects during the year fell from 1,135 in 1938 to
540 in 1939.
No proceedings were taken under the Housing Act 1936,
sections 11 to 13. Eight now cases of overcrowding Were
found during 1939 making a total of 12 cases, of which 6 were
relieved. One case was a recurrence after previous abatement.
Steps were taken during the last 4 months of the year to avoid
overcrowding in billets, depots, etc.
WATER SUPPLY.
The only innovations with regard to the water supply were;
(1) the private supply to the Old Coulsdon Estate was replaced
by an extension of the East Surrey Water Company' supply on
the 1st August, 1939, after very prolonged negotiations;
(2) preceding and following the onset of hostilities the
Companies have maintained a slightly greater percentage of free
chlorine in the water against the increased war risk of damage
to the mains. All samples of the public supplies examinee were