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Accident and General Cases.— The three first-line ambulances,
with one in reserve, continued to be manned continuously by whole-time,
paid men, most of whom were ex-members of the Civil Defence forces.
Until the end of the year they worked 24 hours on and off duty alternately,
as they had in previous years, and continued to give most satisfactory
service. They were directly responsible to the Medical Officer of Health.
Through the courtesy of the National Fire Service the 3 ambulances on
duty are based on the Purley and Sanderstead Fire Stations, as in the
second half of 1945.
Towards the end of the year the Council decided to conform to the
recommendations of the National Joint Council for the Staff of Hospitals
and Allied Institutions including the introduction of a 3-shift system and
weekly day off for each man. This necessitated the appointment of
approximately 50 per cent. more men and, in the interests of efficiency
and to relieve the Medical Officer of Health of much of the detailed work
he had undertaken since 1939, it was also decided to appoint an Ambulance
Superintendent. It was moreover considered necessary to have only 2
ambulances on duty at night, care being taken, however, to see that the
system of reinforcement by neighbouring Districts worked expeditiously
and smoothly. The result of these changes has been that the high standard
maintained throughout the war has not fallen and in fact the District can
be proud to have what is probably the best service in the County.
The system was continued of charging for removals, other than cases
of accident or sudden illness, occurring in public places, but with modified
charges for some maternity cases conveyed to and from hospital.
HOSPITALS.
Infectious Disease.—This Council is one of the constituent
authorities of the Wandle Valley Joint Hospital Board, and cases of
infectious disease (other than smallpox) occurring in this District are
admitted to the Board's hospital at Beddington Corner, Mitcham.
Although additional accommodation has been made available by the
release of certain blocks previously reserved for war purposes, the actual
bed accommodation has been seriously restricted, as in other hospitals,
by the shortage of nursing and domestic staff.
Smallpox.—Under arrangement with the Surrey County Council,
cases of smallpox are admitted to the Smallpox Hospital at Clandon, but
fortunately no cases of this disease have occurred in this District since
1932, although each year numerous contacts with the disease elsewh re
are visited when arriving in this District.
General Hospitals.'—The general hospitals chiefly serving this area
are the Redhill County Hospital, Croydon General Hospital and the
Purley War Memorial Hospital, but a considerable number of residents
receive treatment at various London hospitals and other County hospitals.
The position with regard to remedying the inadequacy of accommodation
has remained very difficult.
Maternity Hospitals.—There is an arrangement with the Purley
War Memorial Hospital whereby the Council has the call on three beds,
and if accommodation permits additional cases can be admitted. A large
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