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holds, that is separate families, by 27%. The census report also
showed that over 5,000 Croydon households shared a cooking stove;
over 6,000 a kitchen sink; over 12,000 a W.C.; over 11,000 a
bath; and over 17,000 households were without a fixed bath. The
waiting list for Council houses rests therefore on the higher
standards now regarded as essential and which the present system
of housing subsidies makes an economic possibility for the
majority of the community. The importance of improving existing
properties in addition to new buildings is clearly apparent.
Food poisoning notifications were fewer than in the previous
year, but this is not regarded as any reason for relaxing the
campaign for higher standards in food preparation and handling.
Services under the National Health Service Act were continued
and extended within the existing pattern. In the field of Maternity
and Child Welfare, the building of a new Dental Centre was
commenced and the central distribution of Welfare Poods was
taken over from the Ministry of Pood. Plans for a new administrative
centre and nurses' hostel were drawn up for the Home Nursing
Service. Endeavour was made to foster co-operation between family
doctors and the Corporation's Health Visitors. The efficiency of
the Ambulance Service was greatly increased by the installation
of two-way radiotelephony between the headquarters station and
the ambulance vehicles. A pilot scheme for B.C.G. vaccination of
school leavers was commenced in the New Addington area. The
Council approved a scheme to promote the establishment of a hostel
for old people, unsuitable for admission to a Welfare Services
Home, but not sufficiently ill to require treatment in a mental
hospital.
The section of the Report which deals with action taken to
obtain Magistrates' Orders for the removal of old persons to a
suitable institution is a reminder of the painful duty to enforce
assistance against the wishes of the recipient. Much time and
effort is expended by all members of the staff concerned to prevent
the necessity for legal proceedings.
The importance of preventive work in connection with so-called
"Problem Families" was emphasised during the year by a Circular
from the Ministry of Health and I comment on some of the work
being done and plans for the future.
The Health Services generally being a major charge on national
fundsare subject to very close scrutiny and hard criticism to
ensure that value is received for the expenditure involved. There
is even argument, somewhat acrimonious at times, between the various
branches of the service regarding the most advantageous
allocation of the funds available. Such interest and controversy