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assistance over the maximum number of cases, in holding together so
many assistants, whose conditions of service often vary very considerably
and are not always by any means easy or pleasant, and particularly in
enthusing them with a real sense of service. While her assistants tend to
come and go, she is succeeding in building up a good organisation with
its own quite high standard and tradition.
It is hoped that further expansion will be practicable as there can
be no doubt of the need, particularly in this time of limited nursing and
domestic assistance and shortage of hospital accommodation.
The secret of its success undoubtedly lies in local and individual
initiative and enthusiasm, which must not be permitted to become
stifled when reorganisation of the Health Services takes place.
Obstetric Specialists.
During 1946 there was one Obstetric Specialist recognised under the
Council's scheme upon whom local Doctors could call for assistance in
relation to anticipated or realised obstetrical difficulties, and his services
were only called upon on one occasion. Since the end of the year the
number of Specialists has been increased to six. The Council has made
no attempt to recover the fees of the Specialists from those benefiting by
the Service since 1938.
Emergency Unit.
In 1938 an arrangement was made, thanks to the generosity of the
County Borough of Croydon, whereby an Emergency Unit or "Flying
Squad" based on Mayday Hospital, Croydon, was made available to
residents in this District, but fortunately its services were not required
during 1946.
Care of Premature Babies.
During 1944 additional arrangements were made to provide for the
peculiar needs of premature babies, including the appointment of a
Consultant Paediatrician, but his services were not called upon during
1946. Similarly the special cots, with electric blankets, etc., which have
been provided were used for only one case.
These figures suggest a lack of use of the facilities to the provision of
which much thought has been given. In fact the total number of premature
babies whose births were notified during 1946 was only 29 and of these
only 3 were born in the District. All the deaths in premature babies which
occurred during the year were in respect of babies who were born and
died in the Hospitals or Nursing Homes before they were due for discharge.
Care of Illegitimate Babies and Their Mothers.
While the Health Visitors continue to give very considerable attention
to the individual needs of cases of this type of which they become
aware, no further action was taken during 1946 towards completing the
plans considered by this and neighbouring Districts during 1944/5. With
the reduction of the total number of these cases, of whom not more than
one half come to the knowledge of the Health Department, it is unlikely
that plans for the provision of special local accommodation, etc., will
mature.
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