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OXLOW LANE CLINIC
Dagenham is proud of the new health service clinic which was opened in September
of this year, and the opening of the clinic has brought new life to all branches of the
local health services and the number of attendances at all sessions is gratifyingly high.
It was built by the Essex County Council to the design of the county architect's department.
The services are on much the same lines as all local authority clinics in the area
and cover maternity and infant welfare and school health. The ante-natal clinics are
supplemented by a relaxation class held once a week for expectant mothers who are given
training in relaxation during childbirth, education in the elementary anatomical and
physiological aspects, training for motherhood and the care of young babies. The
infant welfare clinic is staffed by the assistant county medical officer and the health
visitors for that area; the mothers are encouraged to bring the babies and toddlers for
regular advice and weighing and periodic medical checks as well as for advice about
specific problems. All types of welfare foods and some proprietary brands of infant
food can be obtained at the clinic during infant welfare sessions. Informal group discussions
between mothers and health visitors are encouraged on all subjects relating to
child care. The school clinic deals with the school children attending the neighbouring
schools, and again parents are encouraged to bring their children for advice as well as
for the treatment of minor ailments. A twin dental-suite provides spacious accommodation
for the work of the dental officers who carry out inspection and treatment of
school children, and any necessary treatment of the under 5 age group and mothers in
the first year after a pregnancy.
Such then is the routine pattern of clinic work but in Oxlow Lane we are extending
the services to the old people of Dagenham and have arranged to hold an old people's
clinic which is staffed by a medical officer and health visitors, to give advice and help in
the individual medico-social problems of the aged; especially relating to the prevention
and early diagnosis of the remediable diseases of old age. This aspect of the work is
being organised in co-operation with the general practitioners and the geriatric hospital
services.
It is hoped that this new and colourful clinic will become a happy meeting place
for both the young and the old of Dagenham.
Opening Ceremony
Oxlow Lane Clinic was opened on Friday, September 6th 1957 by Alderman
K. E. B. Glenny, O.B.E., J.P., Chairman of the Essex County Council Health Committee,
and the ceremony was attended by members of the Essex County Council, Dagenham
Borough Council, County Council and Dagenham Borough staff, together with local
general practitioners and midwives.
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