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between management and staff of catering establishments. On
previous occasions I have pointed out the necessity of paying the
strictest attention to the personal hygiene of all those associated
with food production and handling. One might mention here with
advantage the cleansing of utensils in public houses where, during
busy periods, the necessary and desirable washing of glasses and
tankards is sometimes carried out in a too perfunctory manner. I
am informed that adequate washing facilities are provided in most
of the licensed houses, but the human factor sometimes predominates
and the washing facilities are not properly and
adequately used.
It would be difficult to adduce positive evidence of the spread
of diseases from this cause, but the aesthetic side deserves consideration,
and I have no doubt that individual representations
made by the consumers would, to a large extent, convince the staffs
of the desirability of proper cleansing processes.
NURSING IN
THE HOME.
Dagenham is not alone in experiencing
difficulty in obtaining sufficient nurses for
duty in the homes. One of the limiting
factors is the difficulty in providing accommodation for the nurses.
Building extensions are now taking place at the Nurses' Home,
York House, but when these are completed, it is doubtful whether
there will be sufficient accommodation for the nurses required for
the population. I am further informed that Housing Authorities
are contemplating putting at their disposal premises which will give
further accommodation.
GAS AND AIR.
Gas and air analgesia was administered to
571 mothers during the year ; this is an
increase of 266 over the previous year. All three sections of the
midwifery service, viz., Municipal Midwives, Dagenham District
Nursing Association and Salvation Army Midwives are participating
in proportion to their numbers. A great deal of suffering is
alleviated by the use of this apparatus, and its rate of expansion
testifies to its popularity.
At one time there was considerable prejudice against such
analgesia, particularly among the older mothers who had previously
had several confinements, but the manifest advantages are quickly
overcoming the reluctance on the part of all to accept gas and air.
DOMESTIC
HELP.
Considerable expansion has taken place in
this service during the year. At the time
of reporting, recommendations have been
made for the employment of a number of full-time salaried helps,
their services to be supplemented by those who have given such