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disbanded. It has now been decided that any person approved by the
midwife and acceptable to the patient may act in this capacity. The
apparatus is now conveyed by the sitting case car of the ambulance
service. We extend our cordial thanks to those ladies who in the past
kindly acted as "second persons."
domestic
helps.
Authority was given at the end of the year 1944
for Welfare Authorities to arrange for the
provision of helps for households in need owing
to illness, old age and other specified conditions. The beneficiaries
contribute to the cost in accordance with their means. This service
is distinct from the Home Help scheme which caters only for maternity
patients and has been in operation in Dagenham for many years.
clinics.
War-time conditions of necessity disturbed
our arrangements, the two buildings owned
by the Corporation were turned over to the Civil Defence Service and
for this purpose radical alterations were carried out. Those using the
clinics were subjected to inconvenience and discomfort which they
bore with very little protest. There is reason to believe that both
Becontree Avenue and Ford Road Clinics will soon be restored to their
former use.
A war-time nursery situate in Ballards Road is very suitable for a
clinic and this has now been purchased by the Corporation. With
a few comparatively minor alterations it will serve a much needed
demand and it is hoped to put it into service early in December of this
year.
The sunlight clinics which were suspended for a time during the
war are now again in operation.
diphtheria.
A small but explosive outbreak occurred at
one of the schools. On information being
received the school was visited immediately, a large number of contacts
were examined and swabs taken. Altogether 11 cases were confirmed
and unfortunately two children aged six and ten years died. Only
two of the children affected had previously been immunised and both
of these suffered only a mild attack.
Whilst the bereaved parents are deserving of every sympathy, it
must be borne in mind that these tragedies need not have happened.
Preventive treatment is free to all, children under the age of five can
receive it at any of the Infant Welfare Centres without appointment;
appointments for the treatment of school children can be made on
applying to the Head Teacher or the Medical Officer of Health at the
Civic Centre.
Immunisation should be commenced at the age of one year, and
a further injection is strongly recommended on entering school.