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of a temporary nurse for measles is always a difficult matter and
in the end is likely to be extravagant on account of the special
remuneration to be paid for temporary service.
As the Board recommend the home nursing of puerperal
fever, the nursing of whooping cough and epidemic diarrhoea,
and the nursing of expectant mothers, I would recommend that a
whole-time nurse be appointed. Most of her time would be devoted
to nursing these diseases, but, except during an epidemic, she
would be able to give assistance to the other two Health Visitors,,
especially at the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre.
Centres.
As the result of a representation by me to the Council, a
house has been taken at 13, Mattock Lane, where the work of
the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre and School Clinic will
be conducted.
The Centre is to provide medical and hygienic advice to the
mothers bringing their children to be weighed by the Health
Visitors and to be examined by the Medical Officer.
For three years I have myself carried out the examination
of the children attending our Centre, but the time has now come
when, on account of the pressure of other duties, I must give up
this work. The work does not fall within my duties as Medical
Officer of Health, in fact, the Circular states that the Medical
Officer (of the Centre) if an Officer of the Local Authority should
be paid a separate salary for this work.
I suggest that a part-time Medical Officer, preferably a lady,
be appointed to examine the children at the Centre under my
general supervision, the remuneration to be paid to this officer
being at the rate of £1 for an afternoon session of 2 hours, together
with a war bonus of 5s., making 25s. per session. The Centre
is open on two afternoons each week so that the cost to the Council
would be £125 per annum.
The Board state that it is an advantage for the Centre to be
combined with the School Clinic so that Ophthalmic and dental
cases may be treated through the, agency of the School Clinic.
They state that the Dental Clinic should, whenever practicable.