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FOREWORD
The year 1948 has been a very eventful one, a change from the old
regime and an entry into a new sphere of life. The period from January 1st
to July 5th was one in which no expansions could be made to the existing
services, although they continued to flourish and be well patronised by the
Public.
Prior to the 5th July, the Immunisation and Foot Clinics formerly
carried out by the Public Health Department, were transferred to the Maternity
and Child Welfare Department and finally after the appointed day became
part of the County Council's Health Service. These statistics for the year 1948
have however been included in the Public Health Section as in this way a
complete picture of the work for the year is shown. Before the end of 1948
steps were being taken by the County to increase the number of sessions at
the Foot Clinic as this is a very popular service.
It is too early to judge the advantages in the change of the Home
Nurses from voluntary to County control, but with wise leadership there is
splendid scope for increasing this valuable work.
The extension of the Home Help Service is an opportunity for real
progress and will do much to relieve the minds of sick persons, particularly
householders who have such an anxious time when laid aside by sickness.
Unfortunately it is also a service which requires careful supervision if abuses
are to be avoided.
One of the depressing problems to be faced is the lack of medical,
dental and nursing staff which greatly handicaps the work. In time, steady
recruitment of these services will increase the number of people available
for preventive medicine. The urgent need for education in all phases of health,
both of the adult and child, cannot be over-emphasised and it is hoped that
during the coming year more health propaganda can be organised and supplied
to the Public.
The Day Nurseries have continued to play an important part in local
and national life, and with the very heavy waiting list of children requiring
vacancies, it is to be regretted that more premises cannot be made available.
I should like to place on record my sincere appreciation of the work
carried out by the Staff—to the professional staff for their splendid efforts
for the mothers and children of Edmonton under the prevailing difficult
circumstances and to the clerical section of the Maternity and Child Welfare
Department upon whose shoulders fell the entire burden of the work connected
with the transfer to the County Council's Health Services from July 5th,
1948 and to whom much credit is due for the smooth running both before and
after the appointed day.
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